Songs I wish were Short Stories
May 23, 2022 | Dara Marie | @thornfield_lane
The other week, I did a string of posts about stories I wished to see in different mediums, such as movies I wish were books. I had said I was done with that loose series, but I had another idea and decided to roll with it.
For me, there are two distinct types of songs: those that are just there for the vibes and the sound, then those that are pure art. Songs that tell stories and rip your heart out a little more every time you lean into the lyrics. Sometimes, I wish I could know the story better, although I don’t believe there’s enough material for a full novel. The compromise? The short story. It’s a simple medium that can be anywhere from a single page to thirty. I believe this would be the perfect length to dive into a few songs without feeling forced.
Here’s a look at a few songs I wish I could as short stories:
We Have it All by Pim Stones
“Our hearts we have sold for diamonds and gold. But, hey, baby–take a look: we have it all.”
This song randomly showed up in my Spotify algorithm last year and I was instantly gripped. The notes, the vocals, the lyrics–this song is nothing short of cinematic.
Through the lyrics, we learn the man singing has sold his soul to the devil and is apologizing to his lover for all that conspired after. With such raw, honest confessions, I would love to read more about this character and his lover. I want to know about the specifics of his apologies; what has he done that requires such forgiveness? I would also love to read more into the first verse talking about the process of signing the contract and afterward feeling manipulated into it. There’s a story there.
That Unwanted Animal by The Amazing Devil
“Well, can’t you hear that scratching? There’s something at the door.”
This song is similar to We Have it All in the sense it popped up on my Spotify and grabbed my attention. It is also one of the most cinematic things I’ve ever heard. It starts with soft, simple instruments and whisper singing, setting the scene of night falling over a peasant household in the woods. It gradually gains momentum with additional vocals adding to the melody. Once the beat drops about a minute and a half in, it remains adrenaline-pumping energetic, creating such a distinct, haunting aesthetic.
The song comes from the band’s album, The Horror and the Wild, and honestly, that’s the most fitting name ever because, in this song, an abusive marital relationship is portrayed as a brutal werewolf attack. It’s certainly dark, but I believe it would make a fascinating short story to dive into imagery and the implications of a bad relationship.
The Devil’s Backbone by The Civil Wars
“Oh lord, oh lord; what have I done? I’ve fallen in love with a man on the run.”
I first heard this in the background of a trailer for the 2014 Lifetime miniseries, The Red Tent, starring Rebecca Ferguson. The song fits perfectly as the lyrics are a woman pleading for forgiveness from God for having fallen in love with a dangerous man; the miniseries is about the drama that ensues when Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob in the biblical book of Genesis, who falls in love with a gentile prince.
The trailer and miniseries are done with such talent, I forever correlate the two with this song and vice versa. But I’m curious what the inspiration behind the lyrics was. What time period would this story be set in? What makes the love affair so scandalous?
Skin by BOY
“You could get out of that party dress but you can get out of this skin.”
I’ve loved this song for several years now because its characters hit so close to reality. In the first verse, we meet a woman who goes out to clubs so she doesn’t have to feel alone; the second verse introduces us to a man who is the heart of parties but doesn’t have any real friends. Both characters conclude that you can pretend to be someone else and put yourself into a crowd, but you can’t get away from yourself.
Both characters feel so realistic and heartfelt, I want to read about them. I want to see them find happiness, or at least get the potential for joy. I want to see the contrast between their night lives and their daily lives; how they light up in crowds but sink alone.
Coney Island by Taylor Swift (ft. The National)
“I’m on a bench in Coney Island wondering, ‘Where did my baby go?’”
I really love Taylor Swift’s album Evermore; it’s filled with heartfelt songs. Coney Island is one of my tops from this album.
A woman, while waiting for her lover to meet her in Coney Island, realizes all the issues in the relationship and that it’s time to break up. It’s simple, but if done by a skilled writer, could be an experiment into the human thought process as well as a relationship’s trajectory.
My Boy Builds Coffins by Florence + The Machine
“He’s made one for himself, one for me, too, and one of these days, he’ll make one for you.”
Florence Welch has been among my favorite artists for years because her poetry and vocals are on a completely other level; a cosmic one. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her perform live and I was convinced she wasn’t of this world. I knew she had to make her way on this list somehow but it was honestly hard to choose.
The narrator sings of a boy–it’s unclear whether it’s a son, lover, or friend–who is a master coffin builder. He loves his work and it’s all he does, for anyone–rich or poor–who needs it. And each verse ends with the chilling notion that one day, he’ll build one for the listener.
This boy fascinates me. I want to know about him. I want to know about the coffin building business. Why is he so good at it? Why is he so liberal with his gift? How did he discover his gift? I need answers, Florence.
As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese
“Oh, it’s you I watch TV with as the world, as the world caves in.”
This song has gotten a lot of popularity recently since it became a TikTok trend and remix, but it’s honestly a great song. It’s simple and beautiful. Every little while, I’ll go through phases of listening to it on repeat.
Similar to Coney Island, this song has a very simple storyline: a man sits with his lover as the world ends. But once again, with such a finite concept, a writer could dive into the human psyche to understand how this man would cope with the world ending. I mean, when you think of it, it’s a lot to take in. It makes me think of the short film The Dying Hours; it’s only eight minutes long but it had such a profound impact, I’ve thought back on it numerous times. How do people spend their last hours?
What songs would you like to read as short stories? I'd love to hear from you! You can connect with me through thornfield.lane@gmail.com or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter: @thornfield_lane.
