Music and Story - Literature-Inspired Songs

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In the last post, I examined how music can influence the creativity of writers. Songs can help writers focus and enable them to visualize a scene before putting pen to paper, or fingers to keys. As much as music does help with the creative process, though, we cannot deny that books have influenced music. Many songwriters and bands have drawn inspiration from literary works.            

The reason for this is probably a mixture of admiration for the work and author, but also because great works of literature tell exceptional stories. Since stories have always been an integral part of music, it should not surprise us to find songs based on well-known books. Music can spark imagination that leads to further creativity, as does great literature.

In the list below, you will find a list of literature-inspired songs. If you are someone who wants to guess which book influenced the musician, then listen to the playlist first before reading the next part of the post. However, if you want to understand the literary connection before listening, then keep reading. Either way, I am sure you will appreciate the book-inspired music.

“In Like a Lion (Always Winter)” by Relient K

What could be more depressing than being stuck in an endless winter without any hope of Christmas? C. S. Lewis captures this feeling well in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Jadis, the evil White Witch, cursed Narnia so that it was “always winter, but never Christmas.” Only when Aslan begins to move and sends Father Christmas to Narnia does the holiday reappear, and with it, the hope of spring.

Although Relient K is well-known for their witty and, at times, humorous music, their Narnia-inspired song is expertly written and performed, blending both sorrow and joy.

“Dear Wormwood” by The Oh Hellos

The title is a clear hint to its connection to literature. Drawing from C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, this song mirrors the title of the album, addressed to the demon Wormwood. The narrator of the song has experienced abuse from someone who resembles Wormwood, who constantly tries to tell him who he is and what he can do. No longer under his abuser’s control, the narrator breaks free, declaring the truth about his identity and that of his abuser.    

“Weight of Living, Pt. 1” by Bastille

Although the phrase “albatross around your neck” has become a way to refer to problems in life, the albatross symbol has strong literary roots. Samuel Taylor Coleridge poetically conveys the story of a man who shot an albatross in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. As punishment, the mariner is forced to wear the albatross around his neck. The bird serves as a constant reminder of his guilt.    

Bastille’s song captures the weight that many of us have felt. We all have regrets and things we wish we could forget. There are times when we do need to let go of these burdens, as the song says, but other times our “albatross” might be a burden that we deserve. Many scholars believe Coleridge’s classic poem has religious symbolism. If that is correct, then we can see the heavy weight of guilt and sin in the symbolism of an albatross hanging around someone’s neck.

That burden is not easily lifted, at least not in our strength. Thankfully, Jesus has invited us to turn to Him and He will give us rest (see Matthew 11:28-30).    

“Sigh No More” by Mumford & Sons

When I first heard this song, I was impressed by the instrumentals and lyrical connection to faith. However, I did not originally understand the literary reference. Upon closer study of the lyrics, I discovered that the song draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The title comes directly from a song in the play about man’s infidelity called “Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more.”     

Since Mumford & Sons’ song emphasizes the desire to see love as it was meant to be, listeners could interpret the lyrics in contrast to the song in Shakespeare’s play. Yes, many men are unfaithful and cheat on their wives, but there is also love that is faithful and beautiful. True love will not betray or hurt, as Mumford & Sons reminds us.

I believe that this love is found in Christ. Only by knowing Him can we understand love as it was meant to be and express that love to others. As 1 John 3:16 says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (NIV).  

“Lothlorien” by Enya

Enya is well-known for her song featured in The Fellowship of the Ring film called “May It Be.” However, long before she recorded music for the movie, she was already a fan of Tolkien’s work. The instrumental song “Lothlorien,” is inspired by the Elven realm ruled by Galadriel and Celeborn.  

“My Love Has Gone Across the Sea” by Andrew Peterson and “Yurgen’s Tune” by Isaac Horn, Lincoln Mick, and Sarah Wood

Many authors long to add songs into their story world, but do not have experience with songwriting. Thankfully for Andrew Peterson, he has skill in both crafting stories and writing songs. He used his musical ability while crafting The Wingfeather Saga.  

These two songs are not only beautiful pieces of music, but they add to the overall story. Esben, the father to the Wingfeather children, spoke a few of the lyrics from “My Love Has Gone Across the Sea” before he died. The words he speaks foreshadow the ultimate act of love that Janner does for his brother, Kalmar.

Sacrificing one’s life for another is presented as an example of love because “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NIV). The greatest act of love in all history was done when Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. We can only show such love to others because of what the Lord did (1 John 4:19).

“The Lobster Quadrille” by Franz Ferdinand

Although this song was created for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010), it directly follows the lyrics of the song in the story by Lewis Carroll. Franz Ferdinand adds a darker tone to the whimsical song but remains true to the original rhyme.

In the story, Alice encounters the Mock Turtle during her adventures in Wonderland, and he performs “The Lobster Quadrille.”      

“Where the Shadows Lie” by Bear McCreary and Fiona Apple

McCreary’s “Where the Shadows Lie” was created for the show The Rings of Power based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Fiona Apple, a singer and songwriter known for her unique vocals and songwriting ability, recorded the song for the final episode of season one. The lyrics come directly from the opening poem of The Lord of the Rings.

Regardless of individual opinions about the show, “Where the Shadows Lie” is a powerful song that captures the spirit of Tolkien’s fantasy epic.

“Digory’s Regret” by Sarah Sparks

We end where we started: A song based on a book by C. S. Lewis. “Digory’s Regret” is a haunting song that captures the perspective of Digory in The Magician’s Nephew. Sarah Sparks expertly conveys the thoughts and emotions expressed in the book, especially when mentioning Digory’s ill mother.

This song is part of Sarah Sparks’ Narnia-inspired album Into the Lantern Waste. Like “Digory’s Regret,” the songs are told from the perspective of individual characters in The Chronicles of Narnia. The album includes other characters from the beloved series such as Lucy, Eustace, Puddlegum, and others. My favorite is “Shasta’s Complaint,” which is excellently written.  

Therefore, many songs, and even entire albums, have been influenced by literature. The cycle is circular though, as written works influence musicians and songs inspire authors.

Creativity encourages creativity.

Music and Story - How Music Can Help Writers Create

 

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Writers have routines that help them get into the flow of writing. For some, this involves a simple act such as making a cup of coffee or tea. Other writers, though, may struggle to get into the headspace needed to write, especially if they are trying to squeeze in a thirty-minute writing session in between other commitments. Having an established workspace helps, but individuals can continue to struggle at times.

This has happened to me numerous times. I sit down to write, but distractions arise, or I must push myself to type out the words. At these moments, music has helped me focus and write.

Although each writer should establish a routine that works for them, playing background instrumental music is a beneficial choice to maintain focus and encourage creativity throughout the writing process. In the prewriting stages, certain music enables writers to imagine and visualize the scenes of their story. Then, as the music establishes the tone and mood of the scene, an individual can more easily write the scene based on what they visualize.

For example, during a screenwriting class, I needed to write visually since screenplays are intended to be produced as films. To prepare for the writing sessions, I played fantasy music to get me into the headspace of the story. After spending time imagining the scenes, I found myself in a better position to work on the screenplay. The fantasy music also encouraged me to stay focused on the tone and mood of the story as I wrote.  

Not Just for Fiction Writers

Lest people conclude that music is only for creative writers who are penning novels or screenplays, playing instrumental music in the background can assist writers with any form or genre. I completed a great deal of my academic writing for classes and assignments while listening to the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Bach. Also, instrumental worship music is often playing as I draft articles. The rhythm, speed, and tone of the various songs make me feel relaxed, which allows me to focus and work.

Recommendations for Writing with Music

    When sitting down for a writing session, not just any music will do. Some individuals may appreciate songs with lyrics, but I have found that instrumental music promotes greater focus because lyrics can distract. Another aspect to keep in mind is the mood the music evokes. Does the sound make you feel what you want to convey in the scene you are writing? Upbeat, cheery music is not the best choice if you are drafting an intense conversation between characters or creating an emotionally moving scene after the protagonist experiences the death of a loved one. Thinking about how the music affects your writing and how it can assist you in setting the mood and tone are vital details to consider.

    Here are a few recommendations of music for writing based on my experience while working on my novel-in-progress and writing articles.

• For the writer of fantasy or speculative fiction – Blue Turtle has a YouTube channel that showcases original art animation and music perfect for writing fantasy. A few of the videos change things up with piano and lo-fi music, but overall, it is an excellent choice to listen to as you draft a fantasy novel or short story.  As a bonus, the animation is superb and follows the adventures of a young mage named Ithya. 
• For the writer seeking focus – Some of the most helpful music that I have encountered while working on a variety of projects is classical music. HALIDONMUSIC offers numerous videos and playlists that are excellent choices for any writer. I have found their “Classical Music for Reading,” to be inspiring, thought-provoking, and helpful when I experience writer’s block.
• For the writer of biblical topics, Christian growth articles, or devotionals – A variety of playlists and videos exist that include instrumental worship music. Some consist of hymns while others are comprised of contemporary Christian music. Either way, the music can encourage you to praise God as you write and remember the reason you are writing. Two YouTube channels that I recommend for Christian writers are Josh Snodgrass and Dan Musselman. Their music can also be found on other platforms, such as Spotify.

The Connection Between Music and Story

We should not be surprised at how songs and writing overlap. As I mentioned in the introduction post to this blog series, story has always been interwoven with music since songs were used throughout history to convey tales and the important deeds of individuals. Today, music continues to inspire stories by igniting the imagination of writers.    

Now that we have seen how music inspires stories, the next post will investigate how literature has inspired music.   

Music and Story - Narrative in Song

 

Music and Story: Narrative in Song

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    All of us know of musicians who can write popular songs that top the charts solely based on having a memorable, upbeat sound. However, there are musicians who consider their craft, seeking to create music that is filled with emotion and meaning. Some of the best music captivates us through storytelling.

    Using words and sounds to weave together a musical tale, musicians can take us on an exciting journey or invite us to peek into their hearts, revealing a dark or painful place from their past. Regardless of the type of story, listeners can relate. We can all find music that resonates with us because people identify with universal human experiences and emotions.

Songs and Narratives

    Although we usually associate the term “narrative” with written stories, we can find songs that employ narrative techniques. These musicians have shorter amounts of time and space to tell an emotionally moving tale with a beginning, middle, and end. Despite this challenge, songwriters have successfully conveyed stories about love, hope, and overcoming obstacles in concise, yet powerful ways. Such songs often make people laugh, cry, or consider an important truth.

    Musicians may also choose to go a step further than just telling one story through a song. Certain albums present an entire story or unit – The songs fit together, complement each other, or contribute to a unifying theme. An artist accomplishes this by creating a concept album. Examples of concept albums include Andrew Peterson’s well-known Behold the Lamb of God and his anthology of Resurrection Letters, as well as The Oh Hellos’ Through the Deep, Dark Valley, which draws inspiration from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Therefore, when thinking about narrative in music, we should also consider concept albums and sets of songs that are centered around a message.

    To recognize the presence of stories in songs, let’s consider a few examples from the playlist attached to the bottom of this post.

• “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men – The story of animals joining together with birds to fight the evil and destructive forces of a group of bees.
• “Anthem” by Sarah Sparks – A whimsical tale about an ant who sees a human and tells the rest of the colony.
• “Corner” by The Arcadian Wild – This song celebrates mothers but also applies to anyone who cheers and supports others with sacrificial love. Although the song also fits with the next category of showcasing the songwriter’s personal experience, it has a strong narrative arc.

Songs with Personal Lyrics that Mirror Memoirs

    Songwriters employ storytelling techniques to deliver imaginative and clever tales, but they can also draw from their own experiences to create music that resonates with others. Weaving pieces of their past into their work, musicians create songs that resemble memoirs.

    Unlike autobiographies, which detail a person’s entire life, memoirs focus on a specific part of the author’s life. For example, in my creative nonfiction classes, I wrote multiple memoir pieces that focused on specific times in my life, such as when my family found an abandoned dog at a church graveyard and brought her home, adopting her into our family. Likewise, memoir-like songs focus on a single event or specific part of the musician’s life.     

    In the playlist, you will find multiple songs that fit in this category. They present varied stories from the lives of the artist and others, including emotionally honest confessions and lessons learned through hardship.  

• “Corner” by The Arcadian Wild – As mentioned above, this song celebrates mothers. Isaac Horn of the band stated in an interview, “It’s the story of my mother, who has never wavered in her aim to love me into the man I am today.” The song was originally released near Mother’s Day of 2023.
• “While I’m In The Wind” by Benjamin William Hastings – The entire album is authentic and raw, but this song poignantly captures Hastings’ feelings about how his work has affected time spent with his family. In addition to presenting honest thoughts about this conflict, the increasing momentum and powerful vocals at the end of the song blend to create an emotional response in the listener.   
• “Isabella” by Dia Frampton – A song about finding freedom and recognizing the strength to break away from a harmful environment. According to Genius.com, Frampton drew from her life experiences and wrote the song about her little sister.  
• “Susan” by Skye Peterson – Many people have heard of Andrew Peterson, but his daughter is a talented young woman with a passion for writing songs that glorify Christ. This song tells the story of Susan, who struggles to fit in and needs a friend.  
• “Hospital Flowers” by Owl City – A story about how a car crash, and disasters generally, can change our perspectives, including seeing the need to place faith in Jesus.

The Greatest Story       

    There are songs that take us on journeys and stir feelings within us, but there are also songs that speak of the Greatest Story of all – God’s loving plan to save us. Mainstream music ignores the beauty of the Bible’s redemptive message. Too often, secular artists choose to exalt human love (or what they may mistakenly call love), forgetting that the greatest and ultimate love comes from God.

    Thankfully, though, there are Christian artists who have utilized their creative skills and musical storytelling techniques to present the story of the fall of humankind, the consequences of sin, and Jesus’ death and resurrection to save us. Using vivid imagery and concise diction, these artists bring us emotionally into the story of God’s love.

    To clarify, when I mention the word “story” in the sense of the Greatest Story, I am not referring to imaginary events. The Bible is completely true and reliable. Unlike fiction books and fairytales, Scripture presents us with historical people and events. Adam and Eve were real people, who literally disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, is also real. He died on the cross and physically rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Jesus is the Last Adam, the One who bore our sins and paid the penalty to bring forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe (see Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:45-47). We see His plan and work to restore our relationship with Himself throughout Scripture – from the first pages of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation.    

    In the playlist included below is a group of songs that present the story of creation, the fall, and the hope of salvation. I have included The Arcadian Wild’s wonderful EP titled Principium which depicts Genesis in an imaginative and emotional way, through the eyes of God and Adam. Finally, the playlist ends with Benjamin William Hastings’ “Eden.” This song encapsulates the overarching redemptive theme of Scripture.

• Principium by The Arcadian Wild. (Note: The lyric videos for these songs beautifully depict the story. Also be sure to check out the music videos which are works of art in their own right).
• “I. Spring: Wake” – Told from the perspective of God regarding the creation of Adam.
• “II. Summer: Walk” – Told from the perspective of God walking with man in the Garden and includes the creation of Eve.
• “III. Fall: War” – Told from the perspective of Adam at the Fall.
• “IV. Winter: Will” – Told from the perspective of Adam after the Fall. He describes his longing for a restored relationship with the Lord. The end of the song is told from God's perspective.
• “Eden” by Benjamin William Hastings.

These songs are perfect examples of individuals using their creativity and skills to show God’s love and beauty through music. Their songs invite listeners to ponder and stand in awe of the Greatest Story.

Continuing the Story

Following the theme of this blog series, the next post will look at how music can inspire storytellers as they create works of art.  

Resource for Further Study

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson is an excellent book that explores the intersection of story and music, as well as other aspects of writing. A great read and resource for writers, artists, or anyone interested in creativity.  

Music and Story - Introduction

 

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In ancient times, stories were recited or sung. Storytellers would memorize long poems like The Odyssey, The Iliad, or Beowulf and perform them for the entertainment of others. People in certain cultures knew these musical storytellers and poets as bards. Their job was a serious one because orally sharing poems and stories was a significant part of many cultures. 

As time progressed and more people wrote down works, storytelling through recitation and song greatly influenced literature. For instance, poetry largely consists of the sound of words and was originally created for recitation. Likewise, African American literature has roots in a rich tradition of oral storytelling.

            Some cultures around the world continue to use oral storytelling and are working to pass on the tradition to the younger generation. However, the skill of memorizing long sections of stories or poems has dwindled in the modern age because of access to physical and online copies of books and poetry. Similarly, poetry is still best read aloud, but reading verse is now a generally private activity. Despite these losses, we have the modern roles of singers, musicians, and songwriters. Though they do not usually sing long epics or histories, these artists give us stories through music and poetic lyrics.   

            The next few posts will be part of a blog series called Music and Story. The series will highlight ways that music conveys stories, such as narratives that take us on an emotional journey in a similar way that a novel does, or how a song can reveal personal perspectives and experiences like memoir-style works. Not only will I examine songs that tell stories, including the Greatest Story, but I will also explore how music can inspire literature, and vice versa. The series will end with a discussion of the modern state of Christian music which I believe is relevant to issues surrounding contemporary Christian fiction. Are there examples of modern books and songs that are beautiful, true, and good? Or are critics correct that modern forms of Christian art are shallow and inauthentic? This blog series will explore these questions and more.

            Before we begin, though, I want to acknowledge that I am still a student in the craft of storytelling. I do not claim to be an expert in writing or music. However, as someone who enjoys music and has been inspired by songs, I have thoughts about the connection between music and story. So often, songs point me to the best Storyteller and Musician I know – The Lord God. In Scripture, we read about the great story of God’s love and grace, the One who sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17).

So, whether you are a writer, music enthusiast, literature lover, or someone interested in the combined discussion of faith, music, and story, come along on the journey as we study the “bards” of our time.