From American Songwriter · Kat Caudill · · 40s
Famous Songs Named After Made-Up Characters
Three famous songs named after fictional characters who never existed.
In brief
Three famous songs named after fictional characters who never existed. Elton John's 'Levon', The Beatles' 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer', and Johnny Cash's 'A Boy Named Sue' were inspired by fictional characters. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Levon by Elton John
Elton John's song 'Levon' was named after a person in The Band but Levon Helm disliked the song.
“Levon”
Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles
The Beatles' song 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' is an analogy for life's frustrations, according to Paul McCartney.
“Maxwell's Silver Hammer”
A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash's song 'A Boy Named Sue' was inspired by fictional characters and became a No. 1 hit.
“A Boy Named Sue”
What matters most
Elton John's 'Levon', The Beatles' 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer', and Johnny Cash's 'A Boy Named Sue' were inspired by fictional characters.
