20 Songs About Writing

Being fond of listening to music, some people might wonder if there are songs about writing. As a matter of fact, there are quite a few popular songs that talk about this activity.

Whether it’s about writing a letter, a book, a song, or just putting one’s thoughts down on paper, there is a tune about writing, and here are some of them:

1. “I Write the Songs” by Barry Manilow

A beautiful song about the power of music and how it can touch people’s lives, this tune is a perfect ode to the activity of writing.

Manilow’s song describes how music is created by his feelings and experiences and how it impacts the people who hear it. As a songwriter, there are endless possibilities to what you can write about, and this song tries to capture that feeling.

2. “Write On” by The Hollies

This track is about writing songs that spark your interest. Whether people listen to it or not, do what you love and just write about the things that you’re passionate about. Just wait for your success to come and rest assured, people will pay attention and appreciate your work.

It’s a simple message, but an important one nonetheless.

3. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

This upbeat song inspires listeners to release their inhibitions and just live in the moment. It’s about writing your own story and not being afraid to be yourself.

The lyrics encourage people to seize the day and not waste time living in doubt because life is full of possibilities. A perfect reminder for everyone who’s ever felt lost or scared to take a leap of faith.

4. ” I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” by Fats Waller

A relaxing and feel-good jazz song, it is about pretending to receive a letter from the person he loves by writing a letter for himself.

As lonely as it seems, the song actually is upbeat and hopeful, making the listener daydream about love and how just a simple letter can make someone feel better.

5. “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You?” by Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks and her phenomenal voice provide the soundtrack to this track which is about asking someone you love if they wrote anything for them and how the simple gesture can mean so much.

It’s a touching song that highlights the power of words and how writing can be used to express a love that can ease loneliness.

6. “Oxford Comma” by Vampire Weekend

Being politically correct and technical with grammar has its funny sides, and this song is one of them. Vampire Weekend’s song explains that some people love the oxford comma and others couldn’t care less, as long as readers can understand what you’re trying to say, that’s all that matters.

Different spelling and grammar rules exist among various English dialects, so don’t sweat it if you regionally spell or use words differently.

7. “Write Your Own Songs” by Willie Nelson

This country song is about how the music industry sucks out talent from people and how they should just write their own songs instead.

It’s a rather cynical view on the business side of music, but it does make a valid point that artists should create what they want and not let anyone else control their art, especially if the art sells.

8. “I Write Sins, Not Tragedies” by Panic! At The Disco

This new era of pop rock brought us this angsty song about a man who narrates a marriage that has bound to be ruined from the start because the couple is only marrying because of lust.

The title has been inspired by a book called “Shampoo Planet” by Douglas Coupland where there is a line that says, “What I write are not sins, I write tragedies.” With Brendon Urie’s charismatic voice, this song became an instant hit.

9. “Mr. Writer” by Stereophonics

This cryptic song about people changing the story when you turn your back on them is actually quite sad despite the upbeat tune.

The lyrics might be interpreted in different ways, but it’s definitely about how some people will always make stories about you differently, no matter how good of a person you are.

10. “Write About Love” by Belle and Sebastian

Writing about a man you’re attracted to because you’re miserable in your work? We’ve all been there. Belle and Sebastian’s lighthearted song is about how unrequited love can make for the best muse, as long as you don’t dwell too much on it.

The lyrics, “I’ll write about a man / He’s intellectual and he’s hot / but he understands” just shows that a crush at a workplace is nothing but a passing fancy.

11. “Write Your Story” by Francesca Battistelli

The motivational song for this list is Francesca Battistelli’s “Write Your Story.” It is about how everyone has a story to tell and how each story is special.

This upbeat track can pass as a Disney track for its lyrics about writing your own story. The song is perfect for anyone who wants to take the lead in their own life story.

12. “The LetterBox” by Tops

This R&B song is about missing someone’s partner and not minding the trouble of going home. The singer talks about his excitement about reuniting with his lover, because of the letter that she gave him.

The letter in the song seems to be a symbol of their love, as it is something that keeps them thrilled to be together again.

13. “Everyday I Write the Book” by Elvis Costello and the Attractions

A sweet way to record sweet memories is to make a journal or let alone, write a book. This song is about a man who writes a book about his love for the woman he is with. From arguments to their sweet moments, he doesn’t mind putting on his book.

He wants to document everything so he could relive the happy moments for them to reminisce. A sappy but adorable concept, this song is one of the most romantic on the list.

14. “The Wrote and the Writ” by Johnny Flynn

A Christian song about being true to what is written, reading letters, and having to feel nostalgic because of what was written. The singer is talking about a person who used to read letters and regretted it.

The song is unclear, but it seems to be about going to church and asking for forgiveness. Standing your ground to what is written is a powerful act, and this song is a testament to that.

15. ” Paperback Writer” by The Beatles

The author’s struggle to have their books published is something a lot of people can relate to. This song is about a man who has written a book and wants to get it published, attempting to persuade the publisher to read even only a few pages so that he may be known as a paperback writer.

Selling the book is another concern of his, but he is still hopeful and wants to achieve his dream to be a paperback writer. Looking at the band’s background, it is safe to say that this song was inspired by their own experiences as writers.

16. “I’m Writing a Novel” by Father John Misty

It’s a lighthearted song about creating a novel out of his life, but he has a lot of things happening in his life that are preventing him from doing so. While it seems like this song is just a feel-good track, it actually has a lot of depth to it.

With the lyrics ” Heidegger and Sartre, drinking poppy tea,” I guess this song is leaning towards radical existentialism. It’s not every day you see two philosophers drinking sedative tea. Maybe they’re pondering the transience of life and what matters in the end.

17. “Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?” by Green Day

Making a song about a character from a classic novel isn’t something you’d expect from a rock band. But Green Day did it anyway with their track “Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?”

The song is about the titular character from J.D. Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ and how the character felt like an outcast in his life and how he wants to improve his life but has no motivation to do so.

The song might be about the struggles of being a teenager and how it is hard to find your place in the world. It is a relatable topic, especially for those who feel like they don’t quite fit in anywhere.

18. “When I Write the Book” by Rockpile

The song is about looking back at our younger days when life was tough but worthwhile. He is describing how he will compose a book about his life and how he came to know the woman who restored it, but looking at present circumstances, he can only remember the great times.

The song has a country feel to it and is very mellow, making it a good track to listen to when you’re feeling nostalgic about the past.

19. “Rewrite” by Paul Simon

A song full of hope in changing the outcome of his life, “Rewrite” is about a man who wants to start over and make things right.

He is trapped in a low-paying career and wishes to change the course of his life. The lyrics are quite powerful, and it is a relatable song for anyone who is stuck in a rut and wants to make a change.

It is also a reminder that it is never too late to start over. We could all rewrite our story if we wanted to.

20. “I Typed for Miles” by Jets to Brazil

Loneliness and being afraid to be unappreciated, “I Typed for Miles” is about a man who is alone in a hotel room, stuck with his thoughts and his pen. He seems to be a writer who is struggling with his work and is questioning his talent.

The lyrics are quite sad and relatable for anyone who has ever felt like they’re not good enough. The song is a reminder that we all have our doubts but we should never give up on ourselves.

Conclusion

People write for different reasons, be it for themselves, or others. There are many songs about writing, and each one has a different take on the subject. From love letters to autobiographies, there are all sorts of stories to be told through writing.

With different perspectives and feelings, these songs might just inspire you to start writing your own stories.