Songs About Books and Authors: A Musical Journey Through Literature

Music and literature have a long-standing relationship, with many songs drawing inspiration from books and authors. From the haunting melodies of The Cure to the poetic lyrics of The Zombies, this article explores some of the most inspired musical creations that pay homage to beloved literary works.

Albert Camus and The Stranger: A Slice of Existentialism

One of the earliest and most notable instances of a song inspired by a book is The Cure’s “Killing an Arab,” which draws its inspiration from the 1942 novel The Stranger by Albert Camus. The song encapsulates the themes of alienation and existentialist philosophy, evoking the chilling narrative of the novel and its exploration of existential dread.

A Rose for Emily: A Serene Musical Tribute

The Zombies' song “A Rose for Emily” is a poignant tribute to William Faulkner's short story of the same name. This beautiful and understated tune is both a homage to American Southern literature and a reflection on the complexity of human relationships. The song's cool, composed approach resonates deeply, making it a fitting tribute for a narrative rich with symbolism and sorrow.

Watch a video performance of The Zombies' “A Rose for Emily” to feel the full impact of its haunting melody and lyrics. This song played a significant role in the podcast "S-Town", enhancing the storytelling and deepening the narrative's emotional depth.

War and Psalm 40: A Musical Retelling

U2’s “40” draws on U2's album "War" and the biblical Psalm 40. This song tells a powerful story of conflict and resolution, paralleling the themes found in biblical scripture and U2's own political and social commentary through their music.

U2's use of the title “Psalm 40” adds a layer of spiritual meaning to the song, making “40” a meditation on peace and divine wisdom in a world of turmoil.

Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On

Many songs, including Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Ramble On,” are said to be inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These songs transport listeners to the rich, diverse, and enchanted world of Middle-earth, capturing the spirit of adventure and the grandeur of the epic saga.

While not explicitly named, similarities between the lyrics and the overarching themes of The Lord of the Rings suggest a deep connection between the authors and their works. You can find more about the song and learn about the many ways it has influenced other artists and fans alike.

A Poignant Allusion: Run Rabbit Run

Are there more subtle allusions to books and authors in music? The Pink Floyd song “Breathe” includes the phrase “Run, rabbit, run,” which many music enthusiasts believe alludes to John Updike’s 1960 novel Rabbit Run. Similarly, Paul McCartney’s hit “Band on the Run” by Wings also features the phrase “rabbits on the run.”

While concrete proof may be elusive, the thematic parallels between these phrases and the works they might reference make them compelling candidates for literary and musical enthusiasts. Explore these songs and learn more about the authors to discover the layers of meaning in both the music and the literature.

Resonance and Impact

Across these examples, we see that books and authors continue to influence and inspire musicians. Whether it's a direct musical representation of a literary work or subtle allusions within lyrics, these connections between literature and music enrich both art forms and provide a shared language that resonates with audiences.

From Albert Camus’s The Stranger to John Updike’s Rabbit Run, these songs showcase the enduring power of literature to inspire artists and create a meaningful dialogue across genres and audiences.