Okay, so I have a confession to make.
I can’t listen to music while I’m writing.
I just can’t do it. I get too wrapped up in the lyrics of the song, and my fingers start typing those words instead of the words that are supposed to appear on the screen.
But I do love music, and several songs have deeply affected my writing in various ways.
So I’ve built a little list of my fave songs to share with you and I’ll even offer some categories and commentary below.
(By the way, even if nobody reads this post or checks out the playlist I put together, I had a blast creating it. The solo dance party that went down in my kitchen while I was waiting for the brownies to cool was totally worth the effort.)
Okay, so here we go.
Here are some categories that songs naturally fall into for me as a Christian writer:
Songs that provide lyrical inspiration:
My Love, by Sara Bareilles: Gorgeous, gorgeous lyrics
Morning Light, by Josh Garrels
Bubble Toes, by Jack Johnson: I almost forgot how much I love this song (and Jack)
You Can Call Me Al, by Paul Simon: Because, of course
Travelin’ Soldier, by Dixie Chicks
Just to See You Smile, by Tim McGraw
Every Breaking Wave, by U2
Songs that energize me:
Brother, by NeedtoBreathe
Waka Waka, by Shakira: (Yes, I included Shakira in my list. What can I say? I lived in Cape Town when this was the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I can’t help myself.)
I Will Wait, by Mumford & Sons
Greater, by MercyMe
Drift Away, by Dobie Gray
Songs that motivate me to persevere in the writing life (specifically as a Christian writer who writes about heaven as our home):
Storyteller, by Morgan Harper Nichols: “This is the story I’ll tell …”
Messengers, by LeCrae: “Calling all the messengers …”
Where I Belong, by Building 429: “All I know is I’m not home yet, this is not where I belong; Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong …”
The House that Built Me, by Miranda Lambert
Worn, by Tenth Avenue North
No Man is an Island, by Tenth Avenue North
Take My Life, by Third Day
I Can Only Imagine, by MercyMe
Blessed be Your Name, by Tree63: (I have a strong emotional attachment to this song from a number of different seasons in my life, but for now I’ll just ask: Did you know that Tree63 is a South African band?)
He Will Hold Me Fast, by Keith & Kristyn Getty
I included some others just because. 🙂
What about you? Do you listen to music while you write? What songs have impacted your writing life?