“For as the sands through the hourglass… so are the days of our lives.”
This line is one of the most recognizable in television history. Even people who have never watched Days of Our Lives (DOOL) can often quote it. But behind this iconic opening exists decades of surprising stories, creative decisions, and little-known secrets.
First, the famous hourglass was not originally intended to be the show’s permanent symbol. During early concept meetings in the 1960s, producers considered several themes, including clocks, sunsets, and seasonal changes. But executive producer Ted Corday believed an hourglass would visually convey the passage of time in a poetic way—an idea inspired partly by literature and partly by his fascination with symbolic imagery. Once the team saw the early camera tests, the hourglass instantly became central to the show’s identity.
The voice behind the opening line also has a fascinating history. It was originally spoken by Macdonald Carey, who played Tom Horton. His warm, authoritative tone defined the series for decades. Even after his death in 1994, producers kept his voice in the opening as a tribute, making him one of the very few actors in television history whose voice continues to appear regularly on a show long after passing. Many fans consider it a comforting link between old and new eras of DOOL.
Interestingly, the hourglass seen on screen has changed multiple times over the years. The early versions were actual glass props filmed in real time, requiring several takes because lighting reflections would sometimes ruin the shot. In later decades, the production switched to digital composites to create a smoother flow of sand and avoid particles clumping together under studio lights.
The hourglass also became a signature prop behind the scenes. Cast members often joke about receiving mini-hourglass gifts from fans at events. Some even have replicas in their dressing rooms. Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans) has mentioned receiving dozens over the years, many handmade by fans who wanted to honor the show’s roots.
Perhaps the most surprising fact is that the show almost retired the iconic intro during a major rebranding attempt in the early 2000s. NBC considered modernizing the opening credits to attract younger viewers. When test audiences reacted negatively, the network quickly reversed course. Fans insisted that DOOL simply wasn’t DOOL without the hourglass, and producers agreed.
Today, the phrase continues to serve as an anchor linking generations of viewers. It reminds fans that although storylines, characters, and even production technologies change, the heart of the series remains the same. The hourglass represents continuity, tradition, and the enduring spirit of a show that has entertained audiences for more than half a century.
