Reading books is a journey that takes us to different worlds, introduces us to diverse characters, and broadens our perspectives. Musicians have been inspired by this enriching experience, creating songs that capture the magic, knowledge, and emotions associated with diving into the pages of a book. Here are 11 songs that pay homage to the love of reading.
11 Songs About Reading Books to Fuel Your Love for Literature
1. “Paperback Writer” – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Paperback Writer” may not be directly about reading, but it is centered around the creation of a story in a book. 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” show the passion and effort that goes into crafting a book, which in turn makes the act of reading more meaningful. The catchy pop – rock melody adds to the allure of the idea of sharing stories through books.
2. “Book of Love” – The Monotones
This song uses the concept of a “book of love” as a metaphor for a relationship. The lyrics, “I wrote a book of love. And everyone who read it said the things I wrote were nice. They said that you were beautiful. And I was just about as proud as I could be” can be related to the idea that a relationship, like a good book, is full of beautiful stories. It shows how the act of reading can inspire thoughts about love and relationships, and how love can be as captivating as a well – written book. The doo – wop melody gives it a nostalgic charm.
3. “The Book of Life” – Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright’s “The Book of Life” seems to suggest that life itself is like a book. The lyrics, “The Book of Life is never closed. The story’s never done. The Book of Life is never closed. The story’s never done. And all the pages in between. Are mine and yours to fill” imply that our lives are a continuous narrative, much like the unfolding of a great book. This song encourages the listener to view life as an exciting story, similar to the adventures found within the pages of a book. The rich, orchestral melody adds to the grandeur of this concept.
4. “Read All About It” – Emeli Sandé
This song, with its powerful message, can be related to the importance of reading as a means of self – discovery and understanding. The lyrics, “Read all about it, read all about it. See it all come to life, see it all come to life. Read all about it, read all about it. See it all come to life, see it all come to life” can be interpreted as an invitation to explore the stories, knowledge, and experiences that books offer. Sandé’s soulful vocals and the anthemic melody make it a song that promotes the idea of learning and growth through reading.
5. “Bookends” – Simon & Garfunkel
The title track of their album, “Bookends” can be seen as a reflection on the different chapters of life, much like the pages 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 passing of time, similar to how a book takes the reader on a journey through different moments. The gentle, acoustic – based melody adds to the reflective mood.
6. “The Little Drummer Boy”
Although a Christmas song, the story of the little drummer boy can be thought of as a kind of “book” in the sense that it tells a story. The lyrics, “Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum. A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum. Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum. To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum” can be seen as pages in a narrative. Just as we read to experience different stories, this song tells a story that has been passed down, much like a well – loved book. The simple, repetitive melody makes it easy to remember, like a story ingrained in our memory.
7. “The Book” – Chris de Burgh
Chris de Burgh’s “The Book” is a song that seems to be about a relationship that is like a book with many chapters. The lyrics, “In the book of love, I found you. And the story was so clear. In the book of love, I lost you. And the pages disappear” show how relationships can be complex and full of twists and turns, similar to a good book. The soft, ballad – like melody adds to the emotional depth of the song, paralleling the emotional journey one might have while reading a poignant book.
8. “The Book of Disquiet” – Editors
Based on the work of Fernando Pessoa, this song can be related to the idea of a book as a source of introspection. The lyrics might reflect the sense of self – exploration and the internal musings found in Pessoa’s “The Book of Disquiet.” The indie – rock melody, with its moody undertones, creates an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the deep thoughts and reflections one has while engrossed in a book that delves into the human psyche.
9. “The Book of Love” – Magnetic Fields
This song is a quirky and charming take on the idea of a book of love. 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” use humor to explore the concept. It shows that books can be diverse in their content, just as the experience of love can be complex. The indie – pop melody with its light – hearted rhythm makes it a fun song that plays with the idea of love as a kind of “book.”
10. “Read Me” – Mary Chapin Carpenter
The lyrics, “Read me like a book. Turn the pages, take a look. Read me like a book. There’s a story there to tell” directly invite the listener to understand the singer, much like one would understand the story in a book. It shows how the act of reading can be a way to gain insight into others, whether it’s through the characters in a fictional book or the real – life experiences of someone. The country – folk melody gives it a warm and inviting feel.
11. “The Book of Dreams” – Abba
This song can be associated with the power of imagination that reading often ignites. The lyrics, “There’s a book of dreams, we all have one it seems. A book of hopes and of plans. A book of castles in the air. A book of things that seem unfair” suggest that, like a book, our dreams can take us to different places. The catchy pop melody, typical of Abba, makes it a song that celebrates the fantastical and aspirational aspects of reading, where one can dream and imagine different scenarios.
Conclusion
These 11 songs offer a diverse range of ways in which music and the world of books intersect. They show how books can inspire, teach, and evoke emotions, much like a great song. Whether through metaphor, direct reference, or by creating an atmosphere similar to the experience of reading, these songs celebrate the wonderful world of reading books.
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