Most songwriters get inspiration from their real lives. In fact, many would say that sense of truth is what separates a good song from a bad one. However, there are several legendary songs that take inspiration from fiction. Check out three timeless classics that center around a fictional character, below.
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3 of the Best Songs About a Fictional Character
1. “Jolene” (Dolly Parton)
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has enticed listeners for generations. Though Parton took some inspiration from real life, the titular character is a fabrication. What does seem deeply real, however, is Parton’s staunch emotions toward her husband’s infidelity. She begs the other woman to step aside. Her desperation is apparent.
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene
2. Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie)
David Bowie is an artist who is no stranger to constructing a character. He had many personas throughout his tenure, but few are as easily recognizable as Ziggy Stardust. In the namesake song, Bowie lays out Ziggy’s origin story. It’s an essential Bowie song for a reason. This larger than life character jumps out of the lyrics. He feels as real as Bowie himself.
Now Ziggy played guitar, jamming good with Weird and Gilly
And the Spiders From Mars
He played it left hand, but made it too far
Became the special man, then we were Ziggy’s band
Ziggy really sang, screwed up eyes and screwed down hairdo
Like some cat from Japan
He could lick ’em by smiling, he could leave ’em to hang
He came on so loaded, man, well-hung and snow-white tan
3. “Lola” (The Kinks)
Like Parton, The Kinks took inspiration from real life for “Lola,” but the story at the center of this song is the product of their imagination. As the story goes, a man falls in love with Lola, a drag queen or transgender woman. It’s a markedly progressive song for its time, which is likely why it still holds weight today.
Well, I’m not the world’s most physical guy
But when she squeezed me tight she nearly broke my spine
Oh my Lola
La-la-la-la Lola
Well, I’m not dumb but I can’t understand
Why she walked like a woman but talked like a man
Oh my Lola
La-la-la-la Lola
(Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)
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