These Are The Stories About Who Inspired Your Favorite Songs

Music has a way of connecting people from all walks of life. You may connect to a particular song without even knowing the story behind the music. Do you know which hit song was written about Sean Penn? Read on to find out the story behind your favorite songs.

Hurricane – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan dedicated his protest song “Hurricane” to raising awareness for Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s false imprisonment. Dylan visited Carter in prison, which inspired him to write the song. Carter maintained his innocence until he was finally released after spending about 20 years locked up. His story also inspired the 1999 film The Hurricane. In the movie, Denzel Washington portrayed him.

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Arguably one of Stevie Wonder’s most recognized songs, “Isn’t She Lovely” was written in 1975 in honor of the birth of Wonder’s first daughter, Aisha Morris. When she was born, he said: “she was the one thing that I needed in my life and in my music for a long time.”

Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton

“Tears In Heaven” is a beautiful song with a heartbreaking backstory. Clapton wrote the song in honor of his son Conor, who sadly passed away at age 4 after a freak accident involving falling from an apartment building. After the incident, Clapton spent some time in isolation but later felt he had to write a song about his son.

Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is not only a talented musician, he’s also an outspoken social activist. In 1981, he participated in a campaign that sought to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday. He released the song “Happy Birthday” to raise awareness for the cause. President Reagan approved and it was made into a national holiday on November 2nd, 1983.

Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

“Time After Time” is one of Cyndi Lauper’s biggest and most beloved hits. It is a bittersweet love song that beautifully captures a tumultuous time in a relationship. She wrote it as her relationship with David Wolff was waning. The song’s title was originally a placeholder, with Lauper finding the name from a sci-fi movie listed in a TV Guide.

Alanis Morissette penned what is unofficially known as the “best breakup song ever” by many who’ve experienced broken hearts. After decades of fan speculation, the truth emerged. Morissette wrote it about Dave Coulier, best known as “Uncle Joey” on family sitcom Full House. Despite the song, the two are still on good terms and he said: “I think nothing but the world of her.”

Rosanna – Toto

Toto member David Paich wrote their Grammy winning song “Rosanna” in 1982. He’s shared that he wrote it about a few different women he had known, but fans assumed that it was written about Rosanna Arquette, who was then dating Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro. They all went along with it, including Rosana herself who jokingly said the song was about “my showing up at 4 a.m., bringing them juice and beer at their sessions.”

Man On The Moon – R.E.M.

R.E.M’s hit song is a lyrical to comedian Andy Kaufman. Throughout the song, you can find many allusions to his career. These include the film My Breakfast With Blassie, his famous Elvis impression, and wrestling. The song’s title references moon landing conspiracy theories, mirroring the theories that Kaufman’s death was actually faked.

Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

“Go Your Own Way” was written by Lindsey Buckingham about his breakup with his bandmate Stevie Nicks. He said: “I was completely devastated when she took off…And yet I had to make hits for her. I had to do a lot of things for her that I really didn’t want to do. And yet I did them. So on one level I was a complete professional in rising above that, but there was a lot of pent-up frustration and anger towards Stevie in me for many years.”

True Blue – Madonna

Madonna and Sean Penn were once a celebrity power couple. They were deeply in love, so much so that Madonna dedicated the song “True Blue” to him, taking the name from an expression that Penn liked to use when describing his vision of true love. Their marriage lasted 4 years, ending in 1989.

Oh! Carol – Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka was linked with Carole King all the way back when he was in high school! He wrote the song “Oh! Carol” about her, back when she was still known as Carol Klein. Later, Carol’s husband Gerry Goffin would pen a response song called “Oh! Neil.” Unfortunately for him, it was nowhere near as successful as Sedaka’s song.

Philadelphia Freedom – The Elton John Band

Elton John and tennis star Billie Jean King first met in 1973. They became good friends and colleagues as activists trying to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS causes. Elton co-wrote “Philadelphia Freedom” as a favor and tribute to his friend, who was a member of the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team.

The Girl From Ipanema – Antônio Carlos Jobim Vinícius De Moraes

“The Girl From Ipanema” is one of the most recognizable tunes in existence. So much so that it has been used in many films as the elevator music cliche. 17 year old Helô Pinheiro was the inspiration for the song, who was living on Montenegro Street in Ipanema. Since the song’s release and massive popularity, Pinheiro is now a celebrity in her own right.

Always – Irving Berlin

“Always” by Irving Berlin was included in the musical The Cocoanuts, but that was not its original purpose. Berlin wrote it for his wife, Ellin McKay, in 1925. He wrote it as a wedding gift, and also gifted her with the majority of the royalties. What a thoughtful husband!

And I Love Her – The Beatles

While Paul McCartney stated in a 1984 interview that “And I Love Her” was not about anyone in particular, perhaps he was fibbing to spare the feelings of his then-wife Linda. When he wrote the song in the 1960’s, he was in a relationship with actress Jane Asher, for whom the song was more than likely written for.

In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel’s song “In Your Eyes” has roots in traditional African music. The song plays with the idea of being ambiguous and straddling the line between love of God and romantic love. The song is said to be written about actress Rosanna Arquette, and she even convinced Gabriel to have the song be included in the film Say Anything.

Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney wrote “Maybe I’m Amazed” in 1969, when the Beatles were experiencing a difficult time, and just before the band split up completely. McCartney credited his then-wife Linda for helping him stay afloat during these trying times, and penned this song for her. A live version of the song performed by his band Wings has become very popular as well.

Jersey Girl – Tom Waits

Tom Waits released the song “Jersey Girl” on his album Heartattack and Vine in 1980. The “Jersey Girl” in question is none other than musician Kathleen Brennan, who would eventually become his wife and was living in New Jersey at the time. The song was later performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in 1984 and a few weeks later the two performed the song together. Eventually, the song became one of Springsteen’s favorites and he performed it often.

867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone

Lead guitarist of Tommy Tutone revealed the inspiration for the 1981 hit song in an interview with People magazine: “Jenny is a regular girl, not a hooker. Friends of mine wrote her name and number on a men’s room wall at a bar. I called her on a dare, and we dated for a while. I haven’t talked with her since the song became a hit, but I hear she thinks I’m a real jerk for writing it.”

50 Ways To Leave Your Lover – Paul Simon

Paul Simon chronicled his 1975 divorce from Peggy Harper, his first wife, by writing the song “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover.” He chose to take a humorous approach with writing the song. He would go on to marry Carrie Fisher in 1983, whom he proposed to after they attended a New York Yankees game. They divorced in 1984 and he married his third wife Edie Brickell in 1992.

Rocket Queen – Guns N Roses

On the song “Rocket Queen,” Axl Rose has stated: “I wrote this song for this girl who was gonna have a band and she was gonna call it Rocket Queen. She kinda kept me alive for a while. The last part of the song is my message to this person, or anybody else who can get something out of it. It’s like there’s hope and a friendship note at the end of the song.”

Suzanne – Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen penned the song “Suzanne” for his platonic friend Suzanne Verdal. Verdal was the sculptor Armand Vaillancourt’s girlfriend at the time. The song recounts the friendship between Verdal and Cohen and their rituals together. These include drinking tea, walking around Montreal, and visiting the old churches there. Cohen has maintained that the two were only friends and did not have a physical relationship.

You’re So Vain – Carly Simon

Carly Simon’s hit “You’re So Vain” sparked a great debate amongst fans. Who is the mysterious person that Carly was referring to? It may have taken over 40 years, but Simon finally revealed that she wrote it about Warren Beatty!

Je T’aime … Moi Non Plus – Serge Gainsbourg

In 1967, Serge Gainsbourg was dating one of the most sought after women in the world, Brigitte Bardot. She asked him if he could write her the most beautiful love song to ever exist, and he came up with “Je Taime…Moi Non Plus.”

Athena – The Who

Front man of The Who Pete Townshend met actress Theresa Russell while attending a Pink Floyd concert with some friends. It didn’t take long before he felt he was completely in love, but his feelings were not reciprocated by Russell. He penned the song “Athena” about her, whose working title was actually “Theresa.”

I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton

“I Will Always Love You” will always be associated with singer Dolly Parton. She wrote and recorded it in 1973. She released a country version of the song a year later. This version was released after her decision to pursue a solo career, and so she dedicated it to Porter Wagoner, her former partner and mentor of many years.

It Ain’t Me Babe – Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s song “It Ain’t Me Babe” was released in 1964 and was covered by Johnny Cash and June Carter within that same year. It’s generally agreed that the song was written about Dylan’s then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo, an artist who spent a lot of time in Italy. The song’s line “no, no, no” is said to be a parody of the Beatles song “She Loves You.”

Crazy Love – Van Morrison

Irish crooner Van Morrison released the song “Crazy Love” in 1970 on his album Moondance. He wrote the song for his wife at the time, Janet “Planet” Rigsbee. The two are seen photographed on the cover of the song’s single. Despite the fact that their romance was immortalized in his work, the two divorced in 1973.

Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly And His Crickets

“Peggy Sue” is one of Buddy Holly And His Crickets’ most well known songs. What’s less known is that it was almost named “Cindy Lou,” which is the name of Buddy Holly’s niece. However, it was renamed to “Peggy Sue,” who is band member drummer Jerry Allison’s then-girlfriend and eventual wife. The song was written while they were temporarily not together.

Walk Away Renee – The Left Banke

“Walk Away Renee” was written by Michael Brown for the band The Left Banke in 1966. It refers to Renee Fladen-Kamm, who at the time was the band’s bassist’s girlfriend. Brown became interested in her as well, and penned the song about her. He said: “I was just sort of mythologically in love, if you know what I mean, without having evidence in fact or in deed … But I was as close as anybody could be to the real thing.”

Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

Everyone loves Neil Young’s most famous song “Sweet Caroline.” However, Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s daughter, is probably the song’s biggest fan, as it was inspired by her. Young revealed in 2007 that she was the inspiration behind the song. He even sang it to her live at her 50th birthday party. He has also stated that the song was inspired by his wife Marcia.

Suite Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby Stills Nash Young

“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” is a play on words for “Sweet Judy Blue Eyes” and refers to Stephen Stills’ ex-girlfriend Judy Collins. Collins herself was a singer and songwriter and was known for her brilliant blue eyes. The song chronicles the couple’s impending breakup and how he felt about it.

Oh Sherrie – Steve Perry

Journey front man Steve Perry wrote the song “Oh Sherrie” in 1984 for his first solo album. The song became a hit. His longtime girlfriend at the time was Sherrie Swafford, who was the inspiration for the song. Their relationship became strained when Perry’s mother became very ill and when Journey hit its peak popularity.

Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

“Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young celebrates “an ode to countercultural domestic bliss.” Graham Nash penned the song while he was living with singer Joni Mitchell while Deja Vu and Crosby, Stills & Nash were being recorded. He wrote the song in one hour, after the two went out for breakfast and bought a vase together on Ventura Boulevard.

Woman – John Lennon

“Woman” was released posthumously, leading many fans of John Lennon to be very touched by the song he dedicated to his second wife, Yoko Ono. Although the song is unofficially dedicated to Ono, as the name suggests, the song speaks to all women. The song begins with an introduction that includes a Chinese proverb.

Carey – Joni Mitchell

Sometimes a relationship is right for a certain amount of time and no more than that. A lot of people have summer flings knowing that the relationship has an expiration date. This was the case for Joni Mitchell when she vacationed in Crete, where she met an American expat named Cary Raditz. She memorialized their fling with a song that misspelled his name.

Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger was well known for being popular with the ladies. He’s been linked with many famous women including L’Wren Scott, Marianne Faithfull, and Sophie Dahl. He was also linked to Marsha Hunt, an actress and Playboy model, who eventually inspired the song “Brown Sugar.”

Wild World – Cat Stevens

We typically associate love songs with the joys that come through relationships. However, Cat Stevens penned “Wild World” for actress Patti D’Arbanville as they prepared to end their romance. The bittersweet song bids her farewell and wishes her well while reminding her there’s a lot of bad in the world.

Layla – Derek And The Dominos

Hannah was determined to save Jackie, so she insisted on having the kidney transplant her doctor warned her against. Thankfully the operation was a success, and it means that Hannah will now have to take medication for the rest of her life. For Hannah, it was a small sacrifice for her adoptive mother.

Although she only has one kidney and isn’t expected to live much longer, Hannah is still positive. She wants to live each day as it comes and her family is hoping medical science can find a way to extend her life. Whatever future problems Hannah faces, she’s always going to look on the bright side.