We have all heard of Wizard Rock, but what about songs based off other books? Here at Hypable we love our books and we love our music, so what could be better than songs inspired by books we loved to read? Here we share 10 of our favourite lit-rock numbers.
Our first five on the list are songs inspired by works of literature throughout history, but the second page is dedicated specifically to artists that wanted to pay homage to the Bard himself, William Shakespeare. Enjoy!
FIVE LIT-ROCK SONGS
All the cool kids are doing these days are writing songs about nerdy things, see Wizard Rock, Time Lord Wrock and the huge span of Youtube artists pennings songs about their favourite books. We have tried to avoid the Youtube sphere, best to browse that yourself, but here are five great songs that you may not have realized were inspired by books you know.
‘Wuthering Heights’ by Kate Bush, Covered by Josh Pyke
Inspiration: ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë
Okay so, you’ll know this one. This classic song was written by English songstress Kate Bush in 1978. While many regard Bush to be the queen of the lit-rock genre, and her original recording of the song is a must-listen to for, you know, everyone, we couldn’t go past Pyke’s stripped-back reinterpretation of the song. Both are a beautiful tribute to a classic novel.
‘In Like a Lion (Always Winter)’ by Relient K
Inspiration: ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ by C.S. Lewis
A hopeful, gently alternative song about one of the literary classics. Released on the band’s 2005 “Apathetic” EP, it draws it’s lyrics from the second book in the Narnia series. Lyrics such as “it’s always winter, but never Christmas” convey the feelings of those trapped within Narnia during this time, while hope lingers in the form of Aslan.
‘Julian Carax’ by The Novel Ideas
Inspiration: ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
This folk rock song takes it’s title from the character within the novel who represents the devil, however it is told from the perspective of protagonist Daniel. Half-melancholy lament, half-love story, the song captures the internal turmoil Daniel faces when he possesses a book which puts his life, and the lives of those around him, in danger.
‘For Hazel and Augustus’ by Camila
Inspiration: ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ by John Green
Okay okay, Youtube, we know. Let’s preface this by saying there are hundreds of beautiful Youtube songs dedicated to Green’s latest novel, we just fell in love with Camila’s layered harmonies and delightful lyrics. Use this as your jumping off point to listen to all of the other songs out there.
‘White Rabbit’ by Jefferson Airplane, Covered by Emiliana Torrini
Inspiration: ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ by Lewis Carroll
You may recognize Torrini’s pop-rock cover from the Suckerpunch soundtrack, but did you know it was an original song by Jefferson Airplane, released on their 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow”? It might mix up the Queen of Hearts and the Red Queen, yet from the white rabbit of the title, to the caterpillar and the doormouse, this song is one giant Lewis Carroll tribute.
Fan of our book coverage? Why not join our Hypable Books Facebook group!
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.