Musical idols have their own idols, too.  They’re fans at heart, who were, at one time, in the audience of bands whose tunes and lyrics inspired them to get into the music business.  But they’ve had other influences, too, including actors who they pay tribute to in their lyrics.  Here are a few songs and lyrics by musicians who were inspired by an actor’s life or movies–or who they think are just plain hot!

“Candle in the Wind” – Elton John

Although this classic’s poignant, bittersweet lyrics about movie icon Marilyn Monroe were penned by Bernie Taupin, Elton John deeply sympathized with the emotional anguish behind Monroe’s public persona.  The lyrics refer to Monroe by her real name, Norma Jean, and speak with dignity to the human being, not the sex symbol:  “Goodbye Norma Jean/From the young man in the 22nd row/Who sees you as something more than sexual/More than just our Marilyn Monroe.”  Monroe tragically died at age 36.

“James Dean” – The Eagles

In his mere 26 years, charismatic movie star James Dean became a legend whose legacy is eternal.  A daredevil who enjoyed taking risks, Dean also packed a lot of living into those 26 years.  The lyrics to this appropriately fast-paced song express admiration for Dean, and remorse over his death.  A huge race fan, Dean was killed on the way to a race in Salinas, California when his Porsche 550 Spyder was hit head-on at the intersections of Highways 46 and 41.  Part of the lyrics deal specifically with the horrific crash:  “Along came a Spyder/And picked up a rider/And took him down the road to eternity/…You were too fast to live/Too young to die/Bye-bye.”

“Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes

Originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon in 1974 and made famous by Kim Carnes in 1981, this song’s lyrics salute silver screen star, Bette Davis, known for playing strong-willed, independent women, and for her huge, seductive eyes.  Some of those lyrics include, “She’s ferocious and she knows just/What it takes to make a pro blush/All the boys think she’s a spy/She’s got Bette Davis eyes.”  The acclaimed actress was so flattered by the song and its lyrics that she wrote a letter personally thanking Carnes and the songwriters for making her “a part of modern history.”

“The Johnny Depp Song” – Amy Anne

As if the name “Johnny Depp” wasn’t spine-tingling on its own, it’s enough to induce permanent euphoria when set to music.  A vocalist for the band, Xenophilia, Amy Anne co-wrote the music and lyrics to “The Johnny Depp Song,” which appeared on her solo album, “Supergirl.”  Sung in smoky, sultry cabaret style, the lyrics to this ode to Depp’s physical attributes abound with humor that your average stalker could relate to:  “Johnny Depp you’re cruel/You’re the harbinger of drool/Come mow my lawn without a shirt, Johnny Dirt.”

Whether it’s love, lust, respect, sympathy or awe, musicians have paid tribute to countless movie stars in their song lyrics.  And, coming from a musician, being immortalized in one of their songs is their highest compliment.

Share on Facebook

Tweet This Post

No related posts.