10 Best Songs with Write in Their Titles

Sarah Palin made news last year by writing a book. Already this year she has made news by writing notes.

A New York Times article in the February 10 Cincinnati Enquirer discussed Palin's speech to the National Tea Party Convention the preceding Saturday. According to the article, photographs posted after Palin's speech revealed several words written on her hand. The words were obviously notes, such as "energy" and "tax cuts."

Though the headline, "Palin had Q & A session well in hand," poked fun at the revelation, the 2008 vice-presidential candidate should not be criticized for writing notes for herself. Writing has long been one of the best ways to enhance memory as well as to learn new ideas.

The writing becomes an even more effective teacher when it is teamed with music. Some of the most beloved songs in the last 100 years owe their popularity to their lyrics. A few of those songs even have some form of the word "Write" in their titles. Here are ten of my favorite "Write" songs.

10. When I Write the Book by Rockpile: Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds led this short-lived rock project, and this tune sprinkles a country twang atop its electric pop.

9. Writer in the Sun by Donovan: This track comes from the folk-rocker's psychedelic acoustic phase in the late 60s, complete with echo effects and dreamy lyrics.

8. I Write the B-Sides by The Eels: With a hypnotizing drum rhythm and a beautiful piano, the track from Souljacker represents everything that is appealing in this band led by E.

7. Why Don't You Write Me by Simon and Garfunkel: The duo asked this seemingly sad question with a surprisingly upbeat rhythm reminiscent of the percussion on Cecilia and other tracks from the Bridge Over Troubled Water album.

6. Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em Like That Anymore) by the Greg Kihn Band: The pop song easily recognized by its "Oh-ho-ho-oh-ho" chorus was a huge hit for Kihn, whose next hit was parodied in Weird Al Yankovic's I Lost on Jeopardy.

5.I Write the Songs by Barry Manilow: Ironically, Manilow did not write the song, but he did turn it into a soft pop classic that will "make the young girls sing."

4. Writing in the Margins by John Gorka: The title track from the folk singer's 2006 album features his clever and often depressing observations backed by his friendly baritone.

3. Paperback Writer by The Beatles: Writing catchy lyrics wasn't enough for Paul McCartney, as he admits on this memorable track with excellent harmonies.

2. Written in Reverse by Spoon: Britt Daniels is as enigmatic as ever on this track from 2010's Transference, but he delivers the lyrics with an energy matching the guitars and drums behind him.

1. Everyday I Write the Book by Elvis Costello and the Attractions: Costello is one of the best songwriters ever, so I'm certain he could really succeed were he to actually write the book he sings about in this Punch the Clock love song, on which he admits that in "Chapter two I fell in love with you" and that "You were up to your old tricks in chapters four, five and six."