Have you ever wondered about the true meaning behind your favorite songs? Here we’ll attempt to explore the little-known backstories of 30 well-known songs that have influenced music history. Learn the backstories that contributed to these songs’ unique quality, from surprising inspirations to behind-the-scenes turmoil.
1. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson was inspired by a real-life interaction with a fan who asserted that Jackson was the biological father of her child. He consistently denied it in spite of her charges, which heightened the song’s emotional impact.
2. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
Before releasing this song, Dylan felt frustrated with the industry and nearly quit music. The opening verse about going from a privileged lifestyle to being broke on the street relates to how if the singer had quit music, he would have to go back to his pre-fame Bohemian lifestyle
3. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
Did you know that “Bohemian Rhapsody” was written by Freddie Mercury in a single sitting, combining rock, ballad, and opera elements? Despite its controversy, the song’s distinctive sound made it a timeless favorite.
4. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
The title derives from a phrase written on Cobain’s wall by his friend Kathleen Hanna, singer of the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill: “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit.” Hanna meant that Cobain smelled like the deodorant Teen Spirit, which she and Tobi Vail, his then-girlfriend, had discovered during a trip to the grocery store.
5. “Imagine” – John Lennon
John Lennon’s song “Imagine” was written in 1971 and became an anthem for peace. The song was inspired by his wife, Yoko Ono, and the desire for an end to the Vietnam War.
6. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
This iconic song was inspired by police brutality and social unrest in the 1960s. Marvin Gaye was motivated to speak out for change through the song’s introspective lyrics.
7. “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton
Not many people know that Parton wrote this tune in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor and collaborator, Porter Wagoner. The song is about the end of a professional relationship, not a romantic breakup
8. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles
Paul McCartney wrote this legendary song to comfort John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his parents’ divorce. The title evolved into a message of encouragement and love.
9. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen
The intricate song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen examines faith, skepticism, and the human condition. The song, which took Cohen years to write, was first turned down by Columbia Records. After Jeff Buckley covered the song, it became well-known.
10. “Purple Haze” – Jimi Hendrix
When Jimi Hendrix wrote “Purple Haze,” a vivid dream served as inspiration. Although the theme of the song was unclear due to its bizarre lyrics, it was about freedom and escape.
11. “Let It Be” – The Beatles
McCartney wrote this iconic song after a dream about his late mother. The peaceful message of acceptance and moving forward became a symbol of hope at that time.
12. “Hotel California” – Eagles
The song has been described as being “all about American decadence and burnout, too much money, corruption, and arrogance; too little humility and heart.” It has also been interpreted as an allegory about hedonism, self-destruction, and greed in the music industry of the late 1970s.
13. “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
This song was written by Wonder after hearing a story about the dangers of believing in superstitions. The melody’s funky groove and catchy chorus made it a hit.
14. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin
This song was written in 1970 by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant at Bron-Yr-Aur, a cottage in Wales. It was later developed by the rest of the band in the studio.
15. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
The song was reportedly composed by Epworth and Adele in a single afternoon following Adele’s difficult breakup with her boyfriend.
16. “Let’s Dance” – David Bowie
The song’s title is a reference to vintage slang, which means an invitation to fight. The single’s artwork features Bowie in a boxer’s pose.
17. “My Heart Will Go On” – Celine Dion
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion served as the romantic theme song for the 1997 film Titanic. Dion’s husband and producer persuaded her to record the song despite her initial reluctance. One of the greatest successes of the late 1990s, the song became Dion’s hallmark.
18. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
Originally written after manager Brian Epstein urged the band to aspire for a distinctly American sound, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” offered a deft blend of African American rhythm and blues, West Coast surf music, and high-octane rock ‘n’ roll.
19. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police
“Every Breath You Take” was written about obsession and possessiveness, despite the fact that it is frequently perceived as a love ballad. It was written by Sting following a traumatic breakup.
20. “All Star” – Smash Mouth
The lyrics to “All Star” were inspired by Camp’s readings of the band’s regular fan correspondence. Camp “set out to write an anthem” for the Smash Mouth fans who wrote to the band because many of them felt like outsiders and deeply identified with them.
21. “No Scrubs” – TLC
Producer Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs assisted Kandi Burruss and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle in writing “No Scrubs” for TLC. After its 1999 debut, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. In 1998, while driving with a friend, Burruss had the notion.
22. “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish’s song “Bad Guy” explores the power dynamics in relationships and the ways in which women can establish their authority. The song makes fun of those who act tougher than they actually are.
23. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
“Landslide,” written by Stevie Nicks, examines themes of transformation and introspection. Nicks’ personal experience of doubting her future served as the inspiration for the song.
24. “Take On Me” – A-ha
The simple message of the song is that a man is witnessing his romantic partner lose interest in him and stop loving him. When you lose interest in someone, you will distance yourself to prevent hurting their feelings, but ultimately, it hurts more.
25. “With or Without You” – U2
This song explores the internal conflict of wanting to be with someone despite the demands of his career, which is often referred to as a “two-edged sword” of love. The lyrics capture the feeling of being torn between commitment and the desire to escape, and the song ultimately conveys a sense of acceptance and resilience in the face of these challenges.
26. “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay
Drawing inspiration from both historical and religious themes, “Viva La Vida” narrates the tale of a fallen monarch. The orchestral arrangement of the song distinguished it from Coldplay’s previous sound.
27. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus
It is thought that Miley Cyrus’s song “Wrecking Ball” discusses her relationship with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth. The year 2013 saw the release of this iconic song.
28. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
Despite never having resided in West Virginia, John Denver’s affection for the state served as the inspiration for “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The sentimental words of the song turned into a state anthem.
29. “Jolene” – Dolly Parton
The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton is based on a true story about a bank teller who made advances on her husband. The narrative of the song centers on a woman who worries that her husband would develop feelings for a woman named Jolene.
30. “Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
According to Smith, “this song is about the moment in the morning after a one night stand, where the person you are with leaves your house, and you are left by yourself, and it’s just a second, where you are just like: ‘I wish, I wish’.
