As we study adaptations, we understand that filmmakers can find ideas for scripts from numerous sources, and that most films released are adapted from some “other” source material. Original screenplays are more and more difficult to find.
The following is a list (of user submitted) songs that tell stories with characters, conflict, resolution and sometimes settings, inciting incidents and a complete following of the Freytag Story Arc.
Take a look at the list below; explore the lyrics and see what I mean. You’ll even have a chance to dissect a story song for your written assignment.
If you have ideas to submit for inclusion in this list, feel free to post them at the bottom.
Story Songs
1952 Vincent Black Lightning – Richard Thompson
8th of November -Big & Rich
“After We Shot The Grizzly” – The Handsome Family
Baby Girl – Sugarland
The Ballad of Billy the Kid – Billy Joel
Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean
A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash
Cat’s in the Cradle – Songwriters: Sandy Chapin / Harry F. Chapin
Copacabana -Barry Manilow
Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
Coward of the County – Songwriters: Billy Ed Wheeler / Roger Dale Bowling
The Devil went down to Georgia -The Charlie Daniels Band
El Paso – Marty Robbins
Fancy – Written and performed by Bobby Gentry and Reba McEntire
Fast Car -Tracy Chapman
Hurricane -Bob Dylan
Independence Day by Martina McBride
Leader of the Pack – The Shangri-Las
The Legend of Wooley Swamp – Charlie Daniels
Lightning -Eric Church
Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts – Bob Dylan
Lonely Boy – Andrew Gold
The Long Black Veil – Songwriters: Danny Dill / Marijohn Wilkin
Love Vigilantes -New Order
Major Tom (Coming Home) – Songwriters: David Lodge / Pierre Schilling
Ol’ Red – Blake Shelton
Papa Loved Mama – Songwriters: Kim Williams / Garth Brooks
Rocky Raccoon -The Beatles
Seven Spanish Angels – Ray Charles & Willie Nelson
Simon – Glass Moon
Space Oddity – By David Bowie
Speak Now – Taylor Swift
The Strange Case Of Frank Cash And The Morning Paper – T-Bone Burnett
Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller
Tennessee Plates -John Hiatt
Texas in My Rear View Mirror -Mac Davis
Three Wooden Crosses – Songwriters: Doug Johnson / Kim Williams
Travelin’ Soldier -The Dixie Chicks
Two Black Cadillacs -Carrie Underwood
The Film Critic 