- How These Novels Redefined the American Dream - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs Inspired by American Literature - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs That Became Unofficial National Anthems - August 11, 2025
1. “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s 1978 hit, “Wuthering Heights,” is directly inspired by Emily Brontë’s classic novel of the same name. The song takes on the voice of Catherine Earnshaw, haunting her lover Heathcliff from beyond the grave. Bush was only 18 when she wrote the song, but her theatrical delivery and eerie falsetto captured the wild, gothic energy of the novel. “Wuthering Heights” reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, making Bush the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-written song. Literature fans have praised her for capturing the emotional turbulence and supernatural tone of Brontë’s story, a feat not often achieved in pop music. The song’s lyrics are dotted with direct references to the book, including iconic lines like “Heathcliff, it’s me, Cathy, I’ve come home.” For many, this song was their first introduction to classic literature through music.
2. “Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” from their 1969 album “Led Zeppelin II” draws inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which, although British, has had a lasting impact on American pop culture and literature studies. The lyrics reference “Mordor,” “Gollum,” and the quest for the one ring. Robert Plant, an avid Tolkien reader, brought these mythic elements into the world of rock, blending fantasy literature with blues and hard rock. The track became a staple of Zeppelin’s live shows, illustrating literature’s influence on mainstream music. A 2019 Rolling Stone article pointed out that Zeppelin’s Tolkien-inspired songs have fueled renewed interest in fantasy literature among young Americans. The crossover between Tolkien’s world and Zeppelin’s music remains a defining moment in the intersection of American pop culture and literature.
3. “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane
“White Rabbit,” released in 1967, is a psychedelic anthem inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” While Carroll was British, Alice’s story became deeply woven into American literary and pop culture, especially during the 1960s counterculture. Grace Slick’s lyrics are rich with references to Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Red Queen, using these characters as metaphors for the psychedelic experience. The song climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became synonymous with the Summer of Love. Music historians note that “White Rabbit” played a key role in connecting classic literature with the hippie movement’s ideals of escapism and self-discovery. The song remains a staple on classic rock radio and is often cited in studies about literature’s impact on American rock.
4. “The Ghost of Tom Joad” by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s haunting song “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” released in 1995, is inspired by John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Springsteen channels the spirit of Tom Joad, the novel’s unforgettable protagonist, to comment on social injustice and the struggles of the working class. He said in interviews that Steinbeck’s depiction of the Dust Bowl and the plight of migrant workers resonated deeply with him. The song’s lyrics mirror the themes of hope and despair found in the novel, and it has been covered by artists like Rage Against the Machine. According to a 2023 NPR feature, Springsteen’s storytelling draws heavily from American literary traditions, making this song a powerful bridge between music and literature.
5. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica
Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” from their 1984 album “Ride the Lightning,” is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name. The song channels the chaos and brutality of war as depicted in Hemingway’s tale of the Spanish Civil War. The opening bells and heavy riffs evoke a sense of doom, reminiscent of the novel’s opening lines. Metallica’s members have spoken about their admiration for Hemingway’s stark realism and themes of mortality. The track became one of the band’s most performed live songs, as noted by setlist.fm statistics. The song’s enduring popularity among metal fans has introduced many to Hemingway’s literary legacy.
6. “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by The Police
“Don’t Stand So Close to Me,” released in 1980, nods to Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel “Lolita.” Sting, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, was an English teacher before his music career, and he weaves Nabokov’s themes of forbidden attraction into the lyrics. The song mentions the book by name, with Sting crooning, “Just like the old man in that book by Nabokov.” It topped the UK Singles Chart and won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. According to interviews, Sting wrote the song based on his own discomfort with the student-teacher dynamic, highlighting how literature can spark personal reflection and artistic creation.
7. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush
Canadian rock band Rush released “Tom Sawyer” in 1981, inspired by Mark Twain’s beloved American novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” The song’s lyrics, co-written by drummer Neil Peart and lyricist Pye Dubois, explore themes of individualism and rebellion. While the track isn’t a direct retelling, it captures Tom Sawyer’s “modern-day warrior” spirit, blending Twain’s adventurous character with the band’s philosophical musings. “Tom Sawyer” became Rush’s signature song and a favorite among classic rock listeners, as evidenced by its frequent radio airplay and popularity at live shows. The song is often cited in academic articles examining the influence of American literature on rock music.
8. “Richard Cory” by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Richard Cory,” from their 1966 album “Sounds of Silence,” is based on the poem by American writer Edwin Arlington Robinson. The song tells the story of a wealthy, envied man who tragically takes his own life, highlighting the stark contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles. Paul Simon adapted Robinson’s story to reflect the anxieties of modern American life, connecting 19th-century poetry with 1960s folk music. The song’s narrative style and somber tone have made it a favorite among literature teachers and music fans alike. Recent Spotify data shows that “Richard Cory” remains one of the duo’s most streamed deep cuts, evidence of its lasting appeal.
9. “Banana Co.” by Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Banana Co.”, released as a B-side in 1993, draws loose inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” While Márquez was Colombian, his magical realism has had a profound impact on American writers and musicians. Thom Yorke uses the concept of the “banana company” as a metaphor for American imperialism, echoing themes from Márquez’s novel. The song’s lyrics critique corporate greed and political corruption, issues at the heart of American literature’s focus on power dynamics. “Banana Co.” has been discussed by music critics as an example of literature’s influence on alternative rock lyricism.
10. “Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s instrumental track “Moby Dick,” released in 1969, is a tribute to Herman Melville’s epic American novel. The song is famous for John Bonham’s thunderous drum solo, which many fans interpret as capturing the relentless energy of Captain Ahab’s quest for the white whale. The title directly references Melville’s masterpiece, a staple in American literature classes. Zeppelin’s fascination with literary themes extended across several albums, but “Moby Dick” stands out for its raw power and storytelling without words. According to a 2022 Rolling Stone readers’ poll, “Moby Dick” is considered one of the greatest drum solos in rock, connecting the drama of Melville’s novel with the intensity of live performance.
11. “Scentless Apprentice” by Nirvana
Nirvana’s “Scentless Apprentice,” from their 1993 album “In Utero,” is based on Patrick Süskind’s novel “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.” While Süskind was German, the novel became a cult hit in America, influencing musicians like Kurt Cobain. The song’s lyrics echo the novel’s themes of obsession and alienation, with Cobain channeling the protagonist’s quest for identity through scent. In a 1993 interview, Cobain called “Perfume” one of his favorite books and described how its dark, twisted narrative fit Nirvana’s grunge aesthetic. The track is emblematic of how American musicians use international literature to explore universal themes.
12. “Wrapped Around Your Finger” by The Police
“Wrapped Around Your Finger,” released in 1983, references Goethe’s “Faust” and the Greek myth of Scylla and Charybdis, both of which are staples in American literature curricula. Sting’s lyrics use these literary allusions to explore themes of manipulation and power dynamics in relationships. The song became a Top 10 hit in the US and UK, and its poetic lyrics have been analyzed in academic journals for their intertextual complexity. Sting has often spoken about his love of literature and how it shapes his songwriting, making this track a great example of pop music’s literary roots.
13. “Brave New World” by Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s “Brave New World,” released in 2000, is inspired by Aldous Huxley’s dystopian classic. Huxley’s novel, while British, is a cornerstone of American high school reading lists and has influenced countless American musicians. The song’s lyrics reference the novel’s themes of conformity, loss of individuality, and the dangers of technological progress. Iron Maiden’s energetic performance brings the story’s warnings into the 21st century, resonating with fans concerned about society’s direction. According to a 2024 Loudwire survey, “Brave New World” is one of the band’s most beloved songs among American listeners.
14. “Tales of Brave Ulysses” by Cream
Cream’s “Tales of Brave Ulysses,” released in 1967, is inspired by Homer’s “Odyssey,” which has been a foundation for much of American and Western literature. The song’s lyrics, written by Martin Sharp, use vivid imagery to evoke Ulysses’ epic journey, drawing parallels between ancient myth and the psychedelic voyage of the 1960s. Eric Clapton’s wah-wah guitar adds to the sense of adventure and discovery. The track is often cited by classic rock critics as a masterpiece of literary adaptation, blending ancient storytelling with modern music.
15. “Caleb Meyer” by Gillian Welch
“Caleb Meyer,” released in 1998, is an original folk song by Gillian Welch that draws on the themes and style of American Southern Gothic literature. The song tells a dark tale of violence and vengeance, reminiscent of works by William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor. Welch’s haunting vocals and minimalist arrangement create a sense of foreboding that echoes the tradition of American storytelling. The song is frequently studied in college courses on contemporary American folk music, highlighting the ongoing influence of classic literature on modern songwriting.
16. “The Ballad of Hollis Brown” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” from his 1964 album “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” is steeped in the tradition of American naturalist literature, echoing the despair and realism seen in the works of John Steinbeck. The song tells the story of a destitute farmer driven to desperation, a narrative that mirrors the struggles of characters in American novels about poverty and the harsh realities of rural life. Dylan’s storytelling, paired with his stark musical arrangement, brings literary themes of tragedy and hopelessness into the world of folk music. The song remains a powerful example of music as social commentary.
17. “Invisible Man” by Theory of a Deadman
“Invisible Man,” released in 2002 by Theory of a Deadman, shares its title with Ralph Ellison’s groundbreaking novel about race and identity in America. While the song doesn’t directly retell Ellison’s story, it explores themes of alienation and feeling unseen, which are central to the novel. The band has acknowledged that Ellison’s work inspired their title and some of the song’s emotional content. The track resonates with listeners who have experienced marginalization, demonstrating literature’s lasting relevance in contemporary rock music.
18. “Annabel Lee” by Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks’s haunting ballad “Annabel Lee,” released in 2011, is based on Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem of the same name. The song captures the melancholic longing and gothic romance found in Poe’s writing. Nicks has said in interviews that she was moved by the poem’s sense of eternal love and loss. Her ethereal vocals and atmospheric instrumentation bring the poem to life for new generations of listeners. The track is often featured in Halloween playlists and has been praised by literary critics for its faithful adaptation.
19. “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Red Right Hand,” released in 1994, takes its title from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” a work that is foundational to American literature courses. The song’s ominous lyrics and dark, cinematic sound have made it a favorite in film and television soundtracks, including “Peaky Blinders.” Nick Cave has cited Milton’s depiction of divine justice and vengeance as inspiration for the song’s sinister character. The track’s literary connections add depth and intrigue, attracting both music and literature fans.
20. “Catcher in the Rye” by Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses’ “Catcher in the Rye,” from their 2008 album “Chinese Democracy,” is a tribute to J.D. Salinger’s iconic novel. The song reflects on themes of innocence, alienation, and the search for meaning, much like Salinger’s protagonist Holden Caulfield. Axl Rose has spoken about the novel’s influence on his songwriting and worldview, noting its impact on generations of American youth. The track’s lyrics are filled with longing and reflection, making it a fitting homage to one of America’s most beloved books. The song has sparked discussion among fans about the enduring power of literature to inspire rock musicians.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
