Books and reading have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and evoke a wide range of emotions. Musicians have drawn inspiration from this magical realm, creating songs that pay homage to the joys, adventures, and insights found within the pages of a book. Here are 11 songs that capture the essence of books and reading.
11 Songs That Sing of the Adventure and Exploration in Reading
1. “The Book of Love” – The Magnetic Fields
This song uses the metaphor of a “book of love” to describe relationships. The lyrics, “The book of love is long and boring. No one can lift the damn thing. It’s full of charts and facts and figures. And instructions for dancing. But I, I love it when you read to me. And you, you can read me anything” imply that love, like a book, has its complexities but can be made beautiful when shared. It shows how reading can be an intimate and special act, much like the exploration of a relationship. The dreamy, indie – pop melody adds to the charm, making it a song that connects the act of reading with the warmth of human connection.
2. “Paperback Writer” – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” is about an aspiring writer seeking success. The lyrics, “Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look? It’s based on a novel by a man named Lear. And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer” capture the passion and ambition of someone who wants their written work to be read. It reflects the hard work and hope that goes into creating something in the world of books, and the longing for an audience to engage with it. The catchy rock – pop melody makes it a memorable anthem for those with a love for writing and the desire to be read.
3. “Reading Rainbow” – LeVar Burton
Based on the beloved children’s show, this song celebrates the magic of reading. The lyrics, “Take a look, it’s in a book. A Reading Rainbow. Take a look, it’s in a book. A Reading Rainbow” encourage kids to explore the world through books. LeVar Burton’s warm voice and the upbeat, educational melody make it a song that instills a love for reading from an early age, highlighting how books can open up new horizons and adventures.
4. “A Song for a Winter’s Night” – Gordon Lightfoot
Although not directly about books, the song’s cozy and introspective nature can be associated with the experience of reading on a cold winter night. The lyrics, “The smell of the rain, the distant thunder. The feelings that you left behind. And I wonder, still I wonder. Who’ll stop the rain, who’ll stop the rain” create an atmosphere of solitude and reflection, much like the feeling of getting lost in a good book during a quiet winter evening. The gentle acoustic melody enhances this sense of peaceful immersion.
5. “The Raven” – Alan Parsons Project
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, this song brings the dark and mysterious world of Poe’s work to life. The lyrics, “Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore. While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door” follow the narrative of the poem. The use of sound effects and the spooky, atmospheric melody capture the essence of Poe’s writing, showing how music can enhance the impact of a literary work and how books can inspire musical creativity.
6. “Bookends” – Simon & Garfunkel
The title track of their album, “Bookends” can be seen as a metaphor for the beginning and end of life, much like the covers of a book. The lyrics, “Time it was, and what a time it was, it was. A time of innocence, a time of confidences. Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you” evoke a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time, similar to the way a book can take you on a journey through different phases. The soft, harmonized melody adds to the reflective mood, making it a song that relates the concept of life’s journey to the structure of a book.
7. “The History of Wrong Guys” – Fountains of Wayne
This song tells a story, much like a book. The lyrics, “She’s got a history of wrong guys. First there was Paulie, then there was Dave. They all turned out to be bad news, every one of them a slave to the grave” create a narrative arc. It shows how music can be a vehicle for storytelling, just as books are. The catchy, pop – rock melody makes the story engaging, highlighting the connection between the art of songwriting and the art of writing a good book.
8. “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” – Morrissey
Based on Oscar Wilde’s poem of the same name, this song brings Wilde’s words to a musical form. The lyrics, “He did not wear his scarlet coat, for blood and wine are red, and blood and wine were on his hands when they found him with the dead. The poor dead woman whom he loved, and murdered in her bed” tell a tragic tale. It showcases how a book (in this case, a poem) can inspire a powerful musical interpretation, and how the themes and stories within literature can be translated into a different art form.
9. “1984” – David Bowie
Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel, this song captures the sense of paranoia and the loss of freedom depicted in the book. The lyrics, “I’ll give you television. I’ll give you eyes of blue. I’ll give you men who want to rule the world. I’ll give you binary code” reflect the themes of surveillance and control in Orwell’s work. Bowie’s unique voice and the edgy, synth – pop melody bring the dark world of “1984” to life in a musical context, demonstrating how books can inspire thought – provoking music.
10. “The End of the Book” – Belle & Sebastian
The title itself suggests a reflection on the conclusion of a reading experience. The lyrics, “The end of the book is here. I’m turning the pages in fear. The characters I held so dear. Are going away, going away” convey a sense of sadness and finality, much like the feeling of finishing a great book. The indie – folk melody adds to the bittersweet mood, making it a song that speaks to the emotional connection readers have with the stories they’ve immersed themselves in.
11. “The Great Gatsby” – Lana Del Rey
This song is inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. The lyrics, “All the lights are on, they’re shining like day. You’re working late, but your boss is away. The coast is clear, we can go anywhere. The champagne is cold, but the passion is hot” capture the opulence and decadence of the world in “The Great Gatsby.” Del Rey’s dreamy, cinematic vocals and the lush melody bring the fictional world of the book to the listener’s imagination, showing how literature can be a rich source of inspiration for musical creation.
Conclusion
These 11 songs offer a diverse exploration of the connection between music, books, and reading. They range from songs that celebrate the act of reading to those inspired by great literary works. Whether it’s the storytelling aspect, the emotional connection, or the inspiration drawn from books, these songs demonstrate how the world of literature and the world of music can intersect in beautiful and meaningful ways. They can inspire listeners to pick up a book, or to listen to music with a new appreciation for the stories and ideas that can be found within both art forms.
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