Contents
- The Beatles – “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”
- David Bowie – “Changes”
- Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”
- The Kinks – “Lola”
- Led Zeppelin – “Ramble On”
- The Beach Boys – “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
- Pink Floyd – “Another Brick In The Wall”
- Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
- Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
- Outkast – “Ms. Jackson”
If you’re feeling stuck creatively, sometimes all you need is a little musical inspiration. Check out our list of 10 songs about creativity that are sure to get your juices flowing!
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The Beatles – “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”
“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1969 album Abbey Road. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song tells the story of a person named Maxwell Edison, who “came up with a plan” but meets his end when a hammer falls on his head.
David Bowie – “Changes”
“Changes” is a 1971 song by English musician David Bowie, originally released on his fourth studio album, Hunky Dory. The song was written during Bowie’s transitional period between his experimental rock sound and his beginnings as a glam rock star, and has been described as one of the most influential songs of his early career.
The song’s lyrics are about change and growth, with Bowie singing that “these days are gone for good.” The sentiment has been interpreted as being about Bowie’s own artistic development, as well as the growth of popular music in the 1970s. “Changes” has been covered by numerous artists, including Nirvana, Oasis, Tears for Fears, and Kylie Minogue.
Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues”
If you’re looking for a song that captures the creative spirit, look no further than Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” The song is full of references to classic literature and pop culture, and it’s been covered by everyone from The Beatles to David Bowie. Dylan himself has said that the song is about “coming out of the underground” and finding your own voice.
Other songs about creativity that might get your juices flowing include:
1. David Bowie – “Fame”
2. Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
3. The Flaming Lips – “Do You Realize??”
4. Arcade Fire – “Wake Up”
5. Muse – “Supermassive Black Hole”
6. Outkast – “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)”
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Maps”
8. TV on the Radio – “Golden Age”
9. LCD Soundsystem – “All My Friends”
10. Radiohead – “Daydreaming”
The Kinks – “Lola”
The Kinks’ Ray Davies based “Lola” on a candy-colored transvestite he met in a French nightclub, but the real star of the show is his brother Dave Davies’ guitar playing. The riff that cuts through the chorus is one of rock’s all-time greats, and it perfectly captures the song’s winking irreverence.
Led Zeppelin – “Ramble On”
A classic cut from Led Zeppelin’s Led Zeppelin II, “Ramble On” is a song that has always been associated with creativity. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who sets out on a journey to find his true purpose in life. Along the way, he meets a variety of colorful characters and has a number of adventures. The song is full of imagery and has a very cinematic feel to it. It’s also one of the band’s most beloved tracks, and has been covered by a number of artists over the years.
The Beach Boys – “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
As far as creativity goes, The Beach Boys were onto something with this song. It’s all about wanting something more out of life and daydreaming about what could be. If you’re ever feeling stuck in a rut give this tune a listen and let your mind wander.
Pink Floyd – “Another Brick In The Wall”
Creativity sometimes requires breaking down barriers and conventional thinking – something that is easier said than done. No one knows this better than Pink Floyd, whose “Another Brick in the Wall” is an anthem for non-conformity. The song was written in response to the stringent rules atPink Floyd’s old school, but its message is universal – sometimes you have to go your own way.
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
This song is often cited as an anthem for disaffected youth and the grunge movement of the early 1990s. It captured the frustration and anger of a generation that felt misunderstood and had little outlet for their creativity. The song’s raw, visceral energy is sure to get your juices flowing and get those creative juices flowing.
Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” is a six-minute behemoth of a song that features three distinct sections, each with its own unique mood and feel. The song is a perfect example of the band’s creativity, as they were able to take multiple disparate elements and meld them into a cohesive whole.
Outkast – “Ms. Jackson”
This song is Outkast’s biggest hit, and it’s easy to see why – the clever lyrics, catchy hooks, and irresistible beat all come together to create a truly great track. While the song is ostensibly about a break-up, it can also be interpreted as a celebration of creative expression, with the lines “I’m sorry Ms. Jackson / I am for real / Never meant to make your daughter cry / I apologize a trillion times” serving as a reminder that the creative process is often messy and full of false starts.
