Greg Rank
Songs Inspired by Literature
Songs Inspired by Literature
Music and literature have always been intertwined, each art form enriching the other. These songs draw inspiration from powerful literary works, transforming written words into musical narratives that explore the human experience through melody and verse.
Beryl Markham's memoir "West with the Night" - Chronicles of aviation in colonial Kenya
This haunting piece captures the essence of night flights across the African landscape, where pilots risked their lives delivering vital supplies to remote mining communities. Like Markham's own flights, these journeys required courage, skill, and an intimate knowledge of the land below.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the song took on new meaning as a powerful metaphor for the healthcare crisis, with lyrics resonating deeply with ventilator shortages and the vulnerability of healthcare workers.
David Elkind's "The Hurried Child" - Examining how children are forced to grow up too quickly
A deeply personal exploration of childhood trauma and its lasting impact. This song draws from literature that examines the profound effects of being forced to mature before one's time, carrying the weight of experiences no child should bear.
The piece serves as both a personal journey and a universal story of healing, resilience, and the possibility of finding light after darkness. It reminds us that survivors are not defined by their trauma, and that healing is always possible.