Famous Songs That Are Based On Real-Life Crimes

Springsteen's 'Nebraska' narrates the killing spree of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate. Spare and unemotional, the song captures the coldness required to commit such atrocities.

In 1987, a teenage girl faced abduction and abuse at the hands of a suspect in the Green River Killer case. Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, moved by the story, penned 'Polly,' a bleak yet sobering composition released in 1991 on 'Nevermind.'

The Smiths' 'Suffer Little Children' serves as a complex lament, closing their 1984 debut. Morrisey's eulogizing of Moors murder victims via a roving point of view creates an emotionally charged listening experience.

Elvis Costello's 'Let Him Dangle' condemns capital punishment through the lens of Derek Bentley's contested hanging for a murder he did not commit. The song, part of the late '80s album 'Spike,' adds Costello's literate vitriol to the discourse on justice.

Johnny Cash's traditional ballad recounts the assassination of President Garfield by Charles Guiteau in 1881. Focused on the nation's strife rather than gruesome details, the song is part of Cash's concept album 'Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads of the True West.'

Rory Gallagher's 'Philby' delves into the tale of Kim Philby, a Cold War-era British double agent. Using Philby as a symbol of dislocation, Gallagher incorporates a rare electric Coral sitar into the song, adding a unique touch to his blues-infused storytelling.

Interpol's 'Pioneer to The Falls' intertwines with the murder of Imette St. Guillen, adding a chilling layer to the song's continual references. The speculation around its connection to real-life tragedy exemplifies music's ability to reflect societal events.

Sonic Youth's duet with Lydia Lunch,'Death Valley ‘69', delves into Charles Manson's story, offering a creepy yet influential exploration. The song's deranged lyrics and Lunch's haunting vocals create one of indie rock's creepiest moments.

Inspired by Morrissey, The Killers' 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' is part of their murder trilogy, drawing from Robert Chambers' 1986 murder of Jennifer Levin. The synth rocker stands out amid the dazzle of the band's debut, 'Hot Fuss.'

Dylan's protest song 'Hurricane' emerged from the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. Beyond its historic relevance, the song's storytelling prowess and social justice advocacy showcase music's cinematic potential.