7 Awesome Songs That Were Inspired by Books
Books and music share a common trait; they both have the power to take us on journeys without us ever leaving our seats.
Some songs are directly inspired by literary classics.
Let’s explore some tunes that drew their muse from the books.
1. “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
The Bookish Connection:
Kate Bush’s debut single “Wuthering Heights” is inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel of the same name. Written from the perspective of the ghostly Catherine Earnshaw, the song reflects the novel’s themes of love, loss, and the haunting nature of memory.
Why It’s Remarkable:
Bush’s high-pitched ethereal voice and the song’s dreamy melody capture the supernatural elements of the novel, with lyrics like “I’m so cold, let me in-a-your window” echoing Catherine’s ghostly visits to Heathcliff in the book.
Fun Fact:
Kate Bush reportedly wrote the song after catching the last few minutes of a TV adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” on the eve of her 18th birthday.
2. “Soma” by The Strokes
The Bookish Connection:
“Soma” is drawn from Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel “Brave New World.” In the novel, “soma” is a drug that the ruling elite uses to maintain social order by suppressing people’s emotions and desires.
Why It’s Remarkable:
The Strokes’ gritty sound and raw energy on this track highlight the angst and internal conflict of living in a controlled society. The lyrics, “Soma is what they would take when hard times opened their eyes,” hint at the populace’s dependency on the drug.
Fun Fact:
Aldous Huxley took the name “soma” from an ancient Indo-Aryan ritual drink of importance among the early Indians, which he referenced in his footnotes for “Brave New World.”
3. “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin
The Bookish Connection:
Middle-earth comes to life in “Ramble On,” with Led Zeppelin drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.” References to Gollum and Mordor are sprinkled throughout the lyrics.
Why It’s Remarkable:
Between the catchy riffs and mythical lyrics, it’s easy to imagine oneself on an epic quest across Tolkien’s expansive world. The line, “T’was in the darkest depths of Mordor, I met a girl so fair,” showcases the blending of rock and fantasy.
Fun Fact:
Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin’s lead singer, is a known Tolkien fan, and this isn’t the band’s only song with nods to the author’s works.
4. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane
The Bookish Connection:
This psychedelic rock classic is heavily influenced by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” The song delves into the bizarre and dream-like nature of Carroll’s narrative.
Why It’s Remarkable:
Grace Slick’s powerful vocals paired with surreal lyrics perfectly encapsulate the trippy world of Wonderland.
Fun Fact:
The line “And the white knight is talking backwards” directly references the White Knight character from “Through the Looking-Glass.”
5. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush
The Bookish Connection:
Named after Mark Twain’s iconic character, “Tom Sawyer” doesn’t follow the plot of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” but instead captures the spirit and essence of the character – free-willed, adventurous, and defiant.
Why It’s Remarkable:
Rush’s progressive rock sound combined with poetic lyrics creates a modern-day portrait of Twain’s timeless character. The lines “No, his mind is not for rent” and “Always hopeful yet discontent” perfectly echo Tom’s restless nature.
Fun Fact:
The song was co-written with lyricist Pye Dubois, who penned an initial version titled “Louis the Warrior.” The band adapted and expanded upon it, leading to the “Tom Sawyer” we know today.
6. “Off to the Races” by Lana Del Rey
The Bookish Connection:
Lana Del Rey’s sultry track channels the opulence and drama of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” While not a direct retelling, the song captures the novel’s ambiance with its themes of luxury, love, and decadence.
Why It’s Remarkable:
Del Rey’s cinematic storytelling and lush instrumentals evoke the Roaring Twenties and the tragic love story between Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.
Fun Fact:
Lana Del Rey later contributed the song “Young and Beautiful” to the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.”
7. “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police
The Bookish Connection:
Sting, who was a former teacher and the lead vocalist/bassist for The Police, drew from Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” when writing this track. It explores the taboo attraction between a young girl and her older teacher.
Why It’s Remarkable:
With its catchy chorus and controversial subject matter, the song caused a stir upon release. The line “Just like the old man in that book by Nabokov” directly references the novel.
Fun Fact:
Sting later re-recorded the song in 1986 with a slower, more atmospheric version, but the original remains the most popular.
So, these novel-inspired songs not only introduce us to classic literature, but also offer a fresh take on our favorite stories.
