Playlist of Writing Songs
I have a playlist on my iPod entitled "Writing Songs". Although mostly used for my original fiction writing, I also sometimes play these songs in the background when I'm doing schoolwork or fanfiction. They are all excellent songs, that are not too loud (at least not throughout the song though some do have a loud section) to be distracting most of the time, but not too soft to be sleep-inducing if it's late. They are also well written (and have mostly intelligent, creative lyrics), but most of the time don't have distracting enough lyrics that one can't concentrate on their own thoughts and brainstorming.
I really find songs incredibly important to my writing, no matter what the style or purpose of it. But especially with fiction and fanfiction, I always want to keep everyone in-character, and to do that I find songs incredibly helpful. They help me get into a character's mindframe or focus on a certain scene by giving them or it a signature song, so I'll seriously sit there listening to music to help me brainstorm.
All the songs are fairly inspirational (thus their inclusion) and cover a variety and range of different emotions that hopefully help inspire creative thoughts. ;) At least for me, so I hope maybe if you like one of the songs enough, they'll help you too if you ever get stuck with "writer's block" on something. Though the list is always changing and under-construction!
Crossout=the song is no longer on my current "Writing Songs" playlist for whatever reason. Comment and ask why if you want to know, since I don't want to make this page any longer than it already is....XD
(I apologize in advance for some of the repetition in artists here, but chances are if a group/singer wrote one good 'writing song', they wrote another!)
All of the songs that are listed here are worth listening to, and every one of their lyrics are thought-inspiring, which I think is the most important quality in a "Writing Song"
Click on the song for lyrics, and the link after the artist is for the wikipedia entry about the song if there is one. :)
1. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Greenday. [wiki entry on song]
"My shadow's the only one that walks beside me"
(This is the first song I ever really considered a good "writing song" when I first heard it. Although it's something of a rock song, even the heavy instrumental parts never get so loud that they break one's concentration or focus which I loved. It's also a very symbolic and metaphorical song, that uses very good description but leaves a lot open to interpretation at the same time--which is something that I always find inspirational in a song. The vocabulary is also at a higher level than majority of songs today (not to go into a rant since I honestly am not educated enough in music of any period of time or genre to do so), and to put it simply, I love the song. XD)
2. "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick. [wiki entry on song]
"And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table/ No one can find the rewind button girl/ So cradle your head in your hands"
(I'd have to be crazy not to include this song on the playlist. It's about someone writing a song about a crisis their friend is having. And Anna's voice while she sings is just one of those special voices that can't help but inspire you. Just listening to the song once you'll immidieately understand what I'm saying. ;D The basic theme just taking the time to breathe and deal with life, venting out through songwriting. Which I'm sure every writer or arist could relate to in some way.)
3. "Ever Ever After" by Carrie Underwood
"Though the world will tell you it's not smart/ Ever ever After/ The world can be yours if you let your heart"
(I love you, again,
elvensorceress!! This just a lighter song, that's about stories and fairy tales and in the theme of writing I suppose. Believing and wishing for happy endings, and how it's not such a childish thing to believe in)
4. "Finding Me" by Vertical Horizon
"Oh so much for talking/ It's all been said before/ I'm hearing something/ But I'd wish you'd just say more"
(Very internal song about discovering oneself--which you could probably tell from the title--but a rather interesting take on it though. The whole message basically, to quote the song "don't tell me/how to be/because I like some suffering/don't ask me/what i need/i'm just fine here/finding me". I like that idea, because I guess I've been in that situation, just sitting and trying to figure some things out, and keep getting annoyed by people asking "what wrong?" when really, it's not like it's something they can help, and I'm not totally sure myself why I'm sad or upset. The basic message/theme being about the need to be alone, sit, figure out what's wrong, and focusing most on how to tell others who care about you that you need that time by yourself. Again, the song really inspires thought too...)
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack [wiki entry on song] (I rediscovered this one after my obsession with "Ever Ever After" led me to rethink my opinion on country music. It's a beautiful song about taking life by the reigns, and the whole "carpe diem" concept. And the music and melody is practically impossible not to love, and really paints a picture in your mind, to hopefully inspire something really worth writing in that mood and theme.)
5. "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls [wiki entry on song]
"And I don't want the world to see me/ 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand"
(Another staple "writing song" that was probably expected. Obviously, an incredibly beautiful song in lyrics and music, which I'm almost certain that everyone has heard--even if they don't recognize the title. A love song (though it really doesn't have to be) about no matter how horrible things get or the reaction in the world, the thing the singer wants most is for that other person to see them for who they truely are on the inside, and know the truth about them--which I just think is a truly gorgeous concept)
6. "Keep Your Mind Wide Open" by AnnaSophia Robb [wiki entry on song]
"Have you ever wanted more?/ Don't you know there's so much more?"
(Before I say anything else, I have to say this: I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG! Really, I adore it much more than I probably should--but I do have a reason. Way back earlier in this year, when this music video premiered on Disney Channel, I had just begun to watch that channel regularly. I was going through so much at that time, and stressing so badly, and though I didn't know it at the time, I was actually clinically depressed. But whenever this song's music video was shown on TV, I was suddenly be taken in by the meaningful, beautiful lyrics and melody, and take a step back, calm down and cheer up. I honestly believe it was this song (in addition to finally conceding to my sister's demand I that I watch "High School Musical" shortly before that) which saved me from sliding deeper into a depression than I did. Disney may have literally saved my life. XD Which I think justifies my obsession! But yes, I even ended up using the lyrics to this song on an essay I did on "Romanticism" for my AP Euro class--which was the best essay I'd ever written accord to my teacher (that she'd read at least--though I did have her for two or three different years). The song is actually also the main song for the soundtrack of Bridge to Terabithia--my favorite childhood book. So it's definately worth listening to, a song about having an open mind, grand imagination, and at the same time seeing the world for also the beautiful things in it as well)
Since I have a special spot for this song AND story/movie...:
Click to view7. "On the Way Down (Acoustic)" by Ryan Cabrera [wiki entry on song]
"On the way down/ I almost fell right through/ But I held on to you"
(One of my favorite songs for a while now, theme basically about how the singer's life was getting worse and worse and they'd almost given up on everything, until this other person stepped in and helped them recover and step back into the world with more confidence. It doesn't have to be a love song (i really really get bored of love songs unless they are exceptionally written...probably has to also do with my inabillity to really write fluff XD), but it can be taken that way. I prefer to think of it as a friend or family member. The Acoustic Version is listed here because it's not as loud as the original (thought that one is completely worth listening to as well!), and by losing most of the intruments, it sounds much deeper for some reason.)
8. "Scars" by Papa Roach [wiki entry on song]
"I can't help you fix yourself/ But at least I can say I tried/ I'm sorry but I got to move on with my own life"
(XD Basically, the foil song to "On the Way Down". The main reason I love this song so much, is that it perfectly fits the backstory and personality of one of my most favorite characters of all time--Subaru Sumeragi, from Tokyo Babylon and X(/1999) both by CLAMP. The boy as a teenager was, in the words of his twin sister "too pure", and trusted and helped everyone he could. He eventually fell in love with this much older man, who had been throughout the series incredibly kind to him--yet turned out being somewhat insane. When he found out he'd succeeded in making the sixteen year old fall in love with him, he attempted to kill him, but ended up killing Subaru's sister instead at her request to be murdered in place of her brother. In the sequel series X which takes place 7-9 years later, Subaru's grown up to be a shell of himself, not caring about much else other than the man he'd been betrayed by and fallen in love with who has become his obsession in life. He wants to be killed as well by him, but the man takes little interest in him now, which only hurts Subaru more. The theme of the song is basically about a person who can't help but be kind, and only ends up getting hurt by helping others but can't seem to learn to just be numb to everything, so the only feelings they seem to have is compassion and pain. A very ansty, but well written song, though it does have that small loud section in the bridge, but overall still a wonderful writing song. I have a thing for angsty pretty boys.)
9. "Slide" by The Goo Goo Dolls [wiki entry on song]
"What you feel is what you are/ And what you are is beauitful"
(Probably the most abnormal song in the playlist, as unlike the others it's written in a much more colliquial voice. The meaning is still debateable and vague, but when trying to plan out true-to-life stories, it's a good one to listen to for getting into the mood to write. The basic theme I've always gotten from it is to just move on with things, no matter how bad they get, just keep going. XD I could be totally wrong, but that's what I always got from it)
10. "Somehow" by Drake Bell
"She falls to her knees/ Screaming God please/ Make something of me"
(One of my favorite songs by Drake, incredibly ambiguous but at the same time enthralling. Something dark and angsty apparently happened, but it's difficult to discern exactly what, and thus the mind makes up the possibilties--and voila, story ideas. XD)
11. "Superman (It's Not Easy)" by Five for Fighting [wiki entry on song]
"It may sound absurd but don't be naive/ Even heroes have the right to bleed"
(About a person who appears to be perfect and amazing to everyone else, but is really struggling internally and dying inside while trying to live up to expectations....*coughcoughTROYcoughcough* ;D It's a wondeful and cleverly metaphorical song in its own right as well.)
"Through My Eyes" by Phil Collins (I've just recently found out who sung this song, but I've loved it for years! Although for some reason I always thought it was from the soundtrack to Tarzan and not Brother Bear! XD It's a song about the extremely important concept of being able to see form another person's perspective--which I honestly believe is the most important skill a human being can have. It goes right along with having an open mind, but this skill is different in the sense that not only are you giving another person's beliefs a chance, you are also taking the next step to try and understand why they believe what they do. Of course, this also helps with writing a character too..keeping theirs--and not your--perspective in mind.)
12 "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia [wiki entry on song]
"I'm cold and I am shamed/ Lying naked on this floor"
(The last probably predictable song on the list. Again, in way, another song about writing a song, but mostly about the aftermath of a horrible breakup that's left the person scarred for most future relationships, in the sense that they feel devestated about the man they'd built up in their head, who helped them so much come into themselves and bring out their best and worst and truest sides and being; turned out to be a much more human, and imperfect lover that ended up hurting them deeply in a way they hadn't at all expected because they'd falsely believed him to be practically perfect. And now this new person trying to connect with them, is "a little late" as they've somewhat given up on things. Or at least that's always been my interpretation of it--you are free to be inspired for what you will from this thought-provoking song! ;D)
13 "You're a God" by Vertical Horizon
"I'm still learning things I ought to know by now"
(I'll fully admit I have a somewhat superficial reason for also being deeply in love with this song. Again, one of my absolute FAVORITE characters of all time (and I do mean of ALL TIME) had a fantastic character music video on YouTube about a year ago (:( that was unfortunately taken down) to this song. The character is Christopher Halliwell (played by Drew Fuller) from Charmed, who was only in the show for one season (sixth--I bought it on DVD because yes, I love this character THAT much!) though he did visit back for two episodes. I had almost given up on the show once they killed off Cole (former favorite) about a season before Chris came in (who came back one episode the season AFTER this one). But Chris is just such a deep and complex character whose full potential was never really taken to it's fullest extent, but he's still such a favorite of mine and I hope to be able to write a character as amazing as him one day. Any day, the music video explored his inferiority with his (of course, never-there-for-him) Elder (high-ranking angel) Father and Twice-Blessed (basically, most powerful being ever) but evil Older Brother, and the fact that he can't live up to either of them, despite both of them wanting him to be follow and be like them (Chris only really likes his mommy basicaly and only listened to her). He's trying to carve out his own path, but just isn't as powerful or charismatic as either of them and keeps making mistakes. But doesn't want to take either of their sides, and he's tried of trying to do so. Despite his weaknesses, he wants to strike out a different way because he's not like them, and no longer wants to be--even if it means he keeps screwing up and possibly failing, he accepts that. And the song is written in that causual-but-bitchy way that is just so Chris! XD God I love that boy...but yes, the song is fantastic, and if I can, I'm sure I can make it work for a HSM-styled fic too from Ryan or Chad's perspective, talking about...who else? Troy! XD Though I could probably make it work for Troy too....XDXD Favorite characters survive on through different characters! But I definately reccomend you give the song a listen, as well as Charmed Season 6, and see why I fell in love with this other angsty pretty bitchy boy.<3 But the song, having that impossible inferiority complex but the desire to not only be better, but be different than that person, is a fairly reoccuring and inspiring theme all around, right?)
14 "100 Years" by Five For Fighting [wiki entry on song]
"15 there's still time for you"
(One thing I used to have a horrible problem with when writing fiction, be it fan or not, was keeping in mind that involving characters of different ages makes the story more believable, true-to-life, and interesting. But to write from that perspective can be difficult, but this song lists basically all the worries and fears and mindsets from childhood to age 99, and basically lays out all those years of pontential and possibilities for stories. Also, this song works for fears about the future as well!)
I may come across some others later, but that's my playlist at the moment. ;) I'd be plenty interested to see your Writing Song playlist (just credit me with the idea if you follow the same format please? XD I've never made up one of these things before, so if you like the idea, I'd just like to have the credit.... ;D Hope you enjoyed
Later Added Songs:
15. "Coming Clean" by Hilary Duff [wiki entry on song]
"'Cause different/ Doesn't feel so different/ And going out is better/ Than always staying in"
(Yes, I know a song by Hilary Duff can cause eyerolls, but I can't help it. This was one of those childhood songs of mine that just brings me back when I hear it. But seriously, the lyrics again are those that can hold many different meanings in them. It begins very "mystic" sounding, gradually speading up and getting louder (which for those who haven't figured it out yet, I love in songs), and comes to the semi-loud but not distracting chorus. The song's basic message that I think at least is that of trying to be oneself again after a while of trying to be someone or something else, or admitting some sort of truth that is obviously fairly life-affecting. The language in the song is fairly wide-ranged, not childish at least, which is also another point to it.)
16. "Fly" by Hilary Duff [wiki entry on song]
"Open up the part of you that wants to hide away"
(Yes, another one. Screw it, she's got some good songs. I consider this basically an "inspiration song". I feel like it's about being inspired and just letting your imagination flow, not restricting it or editing your words before they're even out. Once again the song also has a very "mystic" sound to it, and is again one of those songs that can probably have a thousand different meanings to it and thus works for many different types of writing and subjects. This is just one of those songs that I feel inspired just hearing, and with the song's encouraging lyrics, I usually do end up doing so. I also personally think this is one of Hilary Duff's best songs as well.)
16. "How Do You Do" by Shakira [wiki entry on song]
"Have you ever felt starved?/ Or is your belly always full?"
(To anyone who ever thought that Shakira only puts out sexually-laced love and dance songs, I answer with this song. Probably the FARTHEST thing from what people who are not very familiar with her think of her songs.Since I first became a fan of hers and heard this song, I was in shock and immidieately addicted to it. The song is basically about the singer speaking to God, and seriously asking questions about various religions (directly, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity) and God Himself ("how does feel to be so high?" "you've made mistakes/well that's okay 'cause we all have") and is just such an amazing and beautiful song, questioning aspects of relgion yet not sounding anti-religion at all. Fantastic song, that definitely makes me want to write in a different way, or about something serious and powerful.)
17. "I'm Still Here" by Vertical Horizon
"If you were right and I was wrong/ Why are you the one who's gone"
(A very sad though ironic song, that i think is something like the sequel to the song "Finding Me", about how a person who was supposed to be helping the singer and thought that they had all the answers to the singer's problems has gone and left them, but the singer thinks they found the answer to the problems a different way and is starting to heal themself, wondering where the other person has gone. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but that's what I get from it.)
18. "Illusions" by Ryan Cabrera
"Just leave these illusions behind/ And run with me"
(Another one of my favorite songs, that follows along the same lines of "Look Through My Eyes" and "Keep Your Mind Wide Open", about seeing the world for what it is, and how trying to follow other people's views of what life should be leads to nothing but frustration and unhappiniess, and you can only find what you want and what you need by breaking through those walls the world set up for you and discovering yourself through being out there.)
19. "Look Through My Eyes" by Everlife
"There's so much to understand/ Take a look through my eyes/ There's a better place somewhere out there"
(I like this version much more than the Phil Collins version (and there are differences in the lyrics I came to realize). Just the theme of taking the moment to see another person's point of view, see the world from another perspective. How seeing the world as a brighter and happier place is ultimately better than seeing it through a cynical way--how even though there are times things get hard and difficult, just hanging on will lead you to a much better life. I also like this version better because it also has that "mystic" (or i guess pop music?) type of sound, while Phil Collins has more of a...tropical, jungle, Rafiki type of sound...)
20. "Outside Looking In" by Jordan Pruitt [wiki entry on song]
"You don't know what it's like/ To be your own best friend"
(Although I'm not the biggest fan of Jordan Pruitt, this song is probably one of the best out there about being "left out" or ostracized as a kid or preteen or even teenager. As such, it's probably one of the perfect songs to listen to in order to get into that frame of mind when writing. It also is mostly guitar as far as the music goes, so it's not incredibly distracting either, never getting too loud or too soft. Very unique sounding voice as well.)
21. "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton [wiki entry on song]
"If I could fall, into the sky/ Do you think time, would pass by?"
(I suppose this one could qualify as a "staple" writing song as well, given its fame. I think the original title for the song would also make it more obvious, "Interlude". The entire song is about a moment drifting off into thought, about what could happen if one could go back in time and change something, to meet up with a certain person again who they can't stop thinking about. Wanting to back in time, to be with that one special person who you wish you could've stayed in contact with who you didn't realize how much they meant to you until later, I think can also fit a more variety of situations than you can think of at first. Beautiful music as well, and the piano is loud enough to keep interest but not to the point that you'd lose concentration on something else.)
22. "Winter's on the Wing" by The Secret Garden
"And you'll be here to see it/ Stand and breathe it all the day/ Stoop, and feel it. Stop and hear it./ Spring, I say"
(One of my favorite songs from the musical The Secret Garden, about the change from winter to spring. Beautiful song, that goes from soft to loud (but not too loud), and uses a wide range of vocabulary in the lyrics. Spring could easily be a metaphor for something else (such as inspiration), and following that, winter can be a metaphor as well. Fantastic song.)