Like Sands Through The Hourglass …
Hart, Tommy Boyce, and Charles Albertine co-wrote the theme song that DOOL has opened with since its inception.
The iconic music, along with the words, “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives,” has become a major piece of daytime drama history, and music that even non-DOOL fans can recognize.
As per Facebook’s Jason47, a DOOL fan and historian, the soap’s creator’s Betty and Ted Corday, approached Hart and Boyce about writing a theme for their show.
The Cordays requested something that sounded similar to “Sunrise, Sunset”, which the couple and seen performed during Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof.
The writing team worked and created two potential themes, but the Cordays weren’t won over. Right before the three of them were about to throw in the towel, Hart came up with the final idea, which is the very theme that ended up on the soap.
Ed Prentiss originally spoke the “Like sands through the hourglass …” in 1965 when the show first hit the airwaves, until Macdonald Carey (Tom Horton) took over in 1966. His voice has been used ever since.
Bobby Hart’s Legacy
Albertine passed away in 1986, while Boyce passed on in 1994. The soap paid tribute to Hart via their Instagram handle, posting a photo of the hourglass with the caption, “We are saddened by the passing of Bobby Hart, the last of the legendary songwriters who co-wrote the iconic Days of Our Lives theme music. He was predeceased by Charles Albertine (1986) and Tommy Boyce (1994). Their legacy will live on for us and for our fans with every episode.”
In addition to the Days’ theme, Hart and Boyce also wrote hits for The Monkees, including “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone” and “Last Train to Clarksville”. The duo also recorded chart-topping songs of their own in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Our thoughts are with Hart’s family, friends, loved ones, peers, and fans during this trying time. Tune into the Peacock soap daily for all the drama in Salem and check out this site often for the best Days of Our Lives updates, spoilers, and news.