Top 10 Best Songs Inspired by Books
Great stories have a way of seeping into our souls, leaving us with a lasting impression. It's no surprise then that musicians often turn to literature for inspiration. Whether it's an entire novel, a specific character, or even just a lone sentence, literature provides an endless wellspring of inspiration. And let's face it, borrowing themes from a well-crafted story can certainly make the process of writing lyrics a bit easier.So, what happens when you blend the rhythm of words with the melody of music? You get some truly outstanding songs. Songs that not only hit the right notes but also tell a story that resonates, making the listening experience that much richer. Each of these songs is a testament to the powerful synergy between two art forms that have the power to move us deeply.
Which are the best songs inspired by books? Well, that's up to you to decide.
Maybe there's a song you think deserves more recognition. Perhaps there's a popular one you feel is enjoying undeserved limelight. Whatever your perspective, we want to hear it! After all, your vote is not just a click or tap; it's a reflection of your unique tastes and perspectives.
There have been dozens of songs inspired by George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, performed by artists from the Eurythmics (who provided the movie's soundtrack) to Radiohead. However, there are no fewer than five on David Bowie's 1974 album Diamond Dogs. He was planning a musical adaptation of the novel, but Orwell's widow refused to give him the rights. Rightfully so, in my opinion--Bowie makes incredible music, but his flair for the dramatic (the story of Ziggy Stardust, for instance) wouldn't have suited the novel's mood.
This track comes from the Alan Parsons Project's 1976 concept album Tales of Mystery and Imagination, which is entirely based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe and often takes lyrics directly from his poetry and stories.
Led Zeppelin were huge J.R.R. Tolkien fans. Two songs on their 1971 masterpiece, IV, were inspired by the Lord of the Rings--"Misty Mountain Hop" and "The Battle of Evermore". The latter's lyrics include references to "Avalon" and the "Dark Lord".
From Jefferson Airplane's 1967 album, Surrealistic Pillow, "White Rabbit" dropped many references to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, including the Red Queen, the hookah-smoking caterpillar, and of course the White Rabbit. It also dropped many references to psychedelics. How it sneaked past the censors is a mystery to me, but it reached #8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The title track of The Boss's 1995 album references John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath--Tom Joad is one of the main characters. Its third verse paraphrases a famous speech from the novel.
Based on Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
This is one of the most impressive modern songs I've ever heard.
Bet you didn't know this one! Elton's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, was inspired by a short story called "The Rocket Man". The author: Ray Bradbury, best known for Fahrenheit 451. Released in 1972, the song hit #2 on the UK charts. Interestingly enough, its producer, Gus Dudgeon, had worked with David Bowie on "Space Oddity" three years earlier. Similarities between the two tracks are evident.
Interestingly, this song was released in 1990, way before the movie (2001). Blind Guardian were just ahead of their time.
They did several versions (all amazing) but I like at most a live version:
Blind Guardian - The Lord Of The Rings [Live Tokyo Tales].
This is how a singer should sound live. Words can't describe his voice, vocal skills and passion.
From The Velvet Underground's 1967 album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, "Venus in Furs" is about two characters from Leopold van Sacher-Masoch's novel of the same name.
Mick Jagger was inspired to write the opener of the Stones' 1968 album, Beggars Banquet, by the works of Charles Baudelaire and Mikhail Bulgakov, specifically the latter's The Master and Margarita.
How did I leave this off the original list?
This wasn't inspired by one particular book. Rather, it's an ode to lliterature in general. "Paperback Writer" is significant in that it was the Beatles first single to veer from the typical love song course. It performed well, topping the charts in eight different countries. Quite a feat in the pre-social media world of 1966.
RIP to Spirit's lead guitar/vocalist Randy California, he died a hero saving his 13-year old son in dangerous Hawaiian surf.
By the way, he received the name Randy California from none other than Jimi Hendrix, when Hendrix had a pickup band with two guys named Randy in it, though we never really heard from the one Hendrix labeled "Randy Texas".
Not to be confused with David Bowie's tune from the 1970's, this song was released in 1969 and featured a hard-rocking sound, but was suddenly stopped as it headed up the charts because many radio stations in the US and UK banned it from airplay.
This song is from their high rated concept album 'Nightfall in Middle-Earth' (1998), which is entirely based on J. R. R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion.
The singer and lyricist has been a huge Tolkien fan since his childhood.
Inspired by Dalton Trumbo's novel Johny got his gun, later made into a movie of the same name.
Loosely based on Rachel Carson's groundbreaking ecological tome, "Silent Spring".