The iconic 1996 song “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole has resurfaced in recent days thanks to a Dawson’s Creek reunion event. Fans fondly remember the song being used as the show’s theme song for years, and it was a solid hit on its own. Cole revealed an interesting story about the song that had James Van Der Beek and others taking notice.
On September 25, Cole shared an Instagram Reel via her Instagram Stories about the song. The reel was originally posted on January 23, 2024, but with the Dawson’s Creek reunion making headlines, Cole found it relevant to share again. Van Der Beek reshared it via his own Instagram Stories after seeing Cole’s, as did his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Cole wrote in the caption, “Dear friends, followers, creators, when you consider using ‘I Don’t Want to Wait’ will you please use my re-record.”
She explained the reason why in the video included with the post. “Usually what you hear is the recorded version from the ’90s, and that was a result from a horrible, terrible, no good, ultra bad recording contract I signed, like so many of us did in the ’90s,” the singer began.
“I don’t see anything [money] from the master use of that song. So, I rerecorded it, and in 2016, put out my version, which is called the Artist’s Preferred Version or the Artist’s 20th Anniversary Edition,” Cole added.
Cole pleaded, “If you want to use my song for your creative work, please consider using my master, so that not only do the pennies come to me and not the man, but also that we care about Equality, because I don’t own my work from the ’90s.”
The singer also explained that in her old contract, she was “I was “considered a contractual work for hire, this very obsolete notion that keeps us bound.”
She seemed to love that the song is still so loved by so many; she just would love to see people start playing the 2016 version, which she owns the master to, instead of the old version.
In the caption of her post, Cole noted that she also released a new recording of “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” for her album This Fire. She noted, “Thank you for being here on the long life path with me, Paula.”
When Van der Beek shared Cole’s reel via his Instagram Stories, he noted, “I had NO idea (Please pass along!).” He included a mind-blown emoji.
Cole’s reshare of the reel prompted a flurry of commentary from fans. They consistently thanked her for letting everybody know and admitted that this was the first they learned of the issue. Quite a few noted they had already headed off to download the version that Cole owns.
“Of course, you so deserve all of the credit and pennies for this song. It was a song of my generation and brings so many beautiful memories,” one fan commented.
Another wrote, “That’s crazy! Come on everyone lets blow it up and pass it along!! Just added your version on my spotify playlist got you queen!”
“We love you Paula! I can’t believe this. Heartbreaking and upsetting, but I’m on my way to listen to your version immediately,” someone else added.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.