I went hunting over the past few weeks – no, not that kind of hunting you are picturing! So put away that hunting image now, and let me tell you that I went looking for songs that will appeal to book lovers in one way or the other. I found a few I already knew and liked, and many others I had no idea of but know that I will grow to love soon. And so I share with you 13 Great Enjoyable Songs Perfect For Book Lovers!!

Some of the songs are based on or inspired by books and/or characters, while others reference books or book lovers (avid readers), and still others will remind you of books in general in so many ways. Like I love to read books where different concepts come together (like memoir cookbooks and historical romances), I also love to discover connections between the various arts; like this previous post between poetry and music, and this connection between music and books is no exception.

Discovering these songs related to books delighted the voracious bibliophile as well as the song lover in me; yes, music is what helps me do those dreaded chores, keeps me on my toes (or well, dancing), and brings back the most wonderful memories while helping create new ones to cherish for years to come.

13 Great Enjoyable Songs Perfect For Book Lovers

Belle and Sebastian – “Wrapped Up In Books”

From the name of the band to so many of their songs, Belle and Sebastian effortlessly charmed me from the first time I heard them; which was about a month ago when I first chanced upon them as a result of working on this post! Which is why I had to start off this list while being Wrapped Up in Books – because that kind of sums me up 🙂

Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton – “Reading in Bed”

Who doesn’t love ‘reading in bed’? I hope you don’t say ‘me’! As for me, I have to end my day (and oftentimes, start it too) with some reading in bed. Which is why Emily Haines song with the title it has suited me to a T. Plus, love the sound of the song too!

MC Lars – “Flow Like Poe”

Clever, oh so clever!! The reference to Poe was what drew me to this song, and then the clever lyrics performed in rap, totally will get you moving while inspiring you to read more Poe, and to write as well 🙂

The Books – “Read, Eat, Sleep”

First, the name of the band is a duh, of course, any book lover will pay attention!! And second, the song title reads like the slogan for bibliophiles, or like the quote on a t-shirt for any one who is forever lost in a book.

Simon & Garfunkel – “Bookends”

Regarding bookends, I rarely find use for them as I end up replacing any bookends I get with more books! So books placed differently serve as my bookends! But no matter what you use as bookends, this Simon and Garfunkel song is one you will enjoy!

Phoebe Kreutz – “A Bad Feeling About Anna Karenina”

I love the lyrics here, and if I was Anna’s friend, I would definitely playing this song to her before the events of the book unfolded!!! And this song as well as its concept tempts me to attempt similar lyrics for other books.

Divine Comedy – “Book Lovers”

First the name of the band, and then this song title, and then the lyrics that are a witty and clever ode to brilliant authors. You simply need to see this video.

“I Could Write a Book”

With swoon-worthy and sweet lyrics set in a delightful jazz tune, this song is perfect to set the mood for reading romances or for a Hallmark movie evening! I would write something similar to books, I think, is “that I love you a lot!” “I Could Write a Book” is a show tune from the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical Pal Joey, and has been performed by various singers over time. I simply could not pick a favorite but here is Dinah Washington’s rendition of the same

Elvis Costello – “Every Day I Write the Book”

Another song that compares loving someone to the elements of a book, and so very cleverly. I fell in love with the lyrics first and then heard the song!

Kate Bush – “Wuthering Heights”

This song is bound to set the atmosphere for reading Wuthering Heights; or reminding you of the book if you have read it before.

Rick Wakeman with the London Symphony Orchestra – “Journey To The Centre Of The Earth”

I had to add this one as soon as I saw the name of the song. Jules Verne was my first fav sci-fi writer (and well, maybe, he still is my fav sci-fi writer) but I am yet to read this book.

The Beatles – “Paperback Writer”

This number one hit song by the Beatles begins with the lyrics “Dear Sir or Madam will you read my book?” And most readers will very likely answer with a “yes!”

Belle and Sebastian – “The Book of You”

Ending it with another Belle and Sebastian song, this sweet love song is for anyone who loves books!

Bonus Songs

And here are a few more songs that I loved as well, just in case you want some more …

• Stevie Nicks – “Annabel Lee”
• Taylor Swift – “Love Story”
• PJ Harvey – “The River”
• Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich – “The Legend Of Xanadu”
• Talking Heads – “The Book I Read”
• Led Zeppelin – “Ramble On”
• The Sundays – “Here’s Where The Story Ends”
• Alicia Keys – “Typewriter”

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And Now, the End of this Post

Dear reader, have you heard any of these songs? Are they among your go-to reading playlist? Any other recommendations (other languages also welcome)? Which one of these most appeals to you? What would be on your list of songs perfect for book lovers?