admit it: books and music go hand in hand. Both art forms are great for reaching your most special places, and with both, you’re often quick to share your new discoveries. I, like many others, listen to music constantly, but mostly when I’m reading or writing.
some of these songs reference specific books, from sherlock holmes to 1984. it is easy to see that so many famous musicians have been inspired by the books they have read. not to mention, the authors who have been inspired by music.
You are reading: Songs that go with books
Other songs on this playlist are about the reading life. that feeling of wanting to get on a book and read instead of dealing with your problems, the thrill of sharing a book you’ve fallen in love with, or even fangirling with your new favorite author.
In addition, many of these songs use books as a metaphor for love or talk about relationships that revolve around books. I’m pretty sure all book nerds are dying for someone who’s just as obsessed with books as they are, so prepare to swoon!
Whatever your taste, perk up your ears with these fantastic literary tunes, sure to get your feet tapping and the pages turning.
1. “wrapped in books” by belle and sebastian
If there’s one phrase that describes me, it’s “wrapped in books.”
2. “i’m writing a novel” by father john misty
While this one is pretty sarcastic, you can’t help but kick it.
3. “do-wah-doo” by kate nash
“Instead, I will read a book,” says Kate Nash. I think we can all empathize with that feeling.
4. “flow like poe” by mc lars
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actually, the edgar allen poe ep is worth listening to in its entirety, as mc lars does a brilliant job of combining rap with literary lessons. on this track, he packs a whole poetry lesson into the catchiest song. if this interests you, you’ll love mc lars’s ted talk.
5. “young adult friction” from the pains of being pure of heart
from the title to the repeated line “don’t take a look at me”, the pun is strong with this one.
6. arkells “book club”
“You are my library, always open for business,” goes this refrain. I love a song about sharing books.
7. “sylvia plath” by ryan adams
This ode to the iconic poet/author is simply beautiful.
8. “every day i write the book” by elvis costello
an extended book metaphor, it’s a must for any book-loving playlist.
9. alicia keys “typewriter”
With the typewriter rhythm that accompanies this track, it will be impossible not to type while listening to this great song.
10. “TI Book” by Belle and Sebastian
another belle and sebastian, but I couldn’t resist! this beautiful song uses books as a metaphor for falling in love with someone in the sweetest way.
11. “wuthering heights” by kate bush
ah beautiful and strange, kate bush captures the wuthering heights spirit of emily bronte in this great song.
12. “1984” by david bowie
Inspired by George Orwell’s 1984, this song will definitely keep you on the lookout for big brother.
13. “I could write the book” Performed by Harry Connick, Jr.
This classic jazz tune originating from the 1940 musical pat joey will make all readers swoon.
14. “pocket writer” of the beatles
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one of the best known book songs, no playlist would be complete with this beatles hit.
15. “a bad feeling about anna karenina” by phoebe kreutz
Anyone who has deciphered Tolstoy’s Anna Karrenina will identify with Kreutz’s need to tell Anna that things are going to go wrong.
16. “reluctant readers become reluctant lovers” by library voices
Not only is their band name delightfully bookish, but the voices in the library make a good point with this one.
17. “sherlock holmes” by sparks
“just pretend i’m sherlock holmes.” i’m not sure holmes really has the best love handle, but sparks would certainly have you believe that.
18. “sonnet 43” by rufus wainwright
dear rufus wainwright recorded haunting musical interpretations of shakespeare’s sonnet 43, sonnet 20 and sonnet 20. like everything wainwright does, they’re elegant and weird in a wonderful way.
19. “we are all accelerated readers” of the peasants!
a great song about talking about books, although in this case it poisons a relationship. I love it!
20. “the book I read” of talking heads
“I’m ashamed to admit it/There’s a soft spot in my heart/When I found out you wrote the book I read.” Me too, talking heads. me too.
21. “what a job is man/how dare they try” hair
one of shakespeare’s most famous adaptations of song, this monologue from hamlettakes new life when integrated into the hair.
images: foundry/pixabay
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