Many of the poems are related to Herbert's Dune science fiction series—"Muad'Dib" is an in-universe epithet of Paul Atreides, a series protagonist.

[1][3] In 1992 the book was reviewed by Gary K. Wolfe for Locus and Tony Manna for Voice of Youth Advocates.

[3][1] Manna's review was positive, calling the book a collection of "eloquent, sometimes puzzling, poems" that should be well received by Herbert fans and inspire those not familiar with his works to pick them up.

Most of what's here was written not so much as poetic expression as it was to help give texture to imaginary societies; yanked out of those contexts, it sounds peculiar at best.

[3] Wolfe concludes that the book makes a "pretty weak memorial to Herbert" (Frank Herbert died in 1986, several years before the Songs... were published by his son), suggesting that its publication amounted to little more than a marketing stunt aimed to keep the Dune franchise alive.