The Writer’s Playlist
Saturday 14 March 2026
Music has always been an important part of my life. My father played many instruments and instructed my siblings and me on the piano at home. One of my fondest memories is sitting on the piano bench next to my dad plunking out my part in the beginning piano duets book. On holidays Dad was home from work and played Broadway show tunes, classical, and boogie-woogie jazz that echoed through the house as preparations happened for Thanksgiving dinner or opening Christmas presents.
That’s part of why I designed my “Writer’s Playlist” to inspire and support me as a writer. When I searched for songs about writing, I was pleasantly surprised at the lengthy list of tunes available. This playlist lasts just under an hour and is divine to listen to while doing revisions. I’ve also played it for energy support while walking or practicing vinyasa (flow hatha yoga.) I’m listening to it right now. Many of the lyrics are subtle but directly applicable to writing.
Do you have a writer’s playlist or what song(s) would add to mine?
Enjoy!
WRITER’S PLAYLIST
Compiled by Joy E. Held
- “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” Paul Simon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABXtWqmArUU
- “Imagine,” John Lennon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkgkThdzX-8&list=OLAK5uy_lm9bwhxzhr6tvInIqltdtWhX3rwRhzoZ4
- “Just My Imagination,” Temptations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNn361umypM
- “Unwritten,” Natasha Bedingfield
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7k0a5hYnSI
- “The Writer,” Ellie Goulding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-ru2glqXAg
- “Write on Me,” Fifth Harmony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WuggM1WBiU
- “Paperback Writer,” The Beatles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYvkICbTZIQ
- “Word Crimes,” Weird Al Yankovich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc
- “Writer In the Dark,” Lorde
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Wevfw_Nxk
- “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” Michael Jackson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3qQtSRmHxo
- “Oxford Comma,” Vampire Weekend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_i1xk07o4g
- “Writers Retreat!” Lloyd Cole
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqV2seWTavk
- “Write Your Story,” Francesca Battistelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecV1NHmELuA
- “Writing’s On the Wall,” Sam Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jzDnsjYv9A
- “Write This Down,” George Strait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAj-Q_W9AT4
Be well, write well!
~Joy
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