Art imitates life, right? Here are 19 songs inspired by celebrities. And not a single mention of Yoko Ono!
I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift
Oh, Taylor Swift! You just can’t NOT write songs about exes! “I Knew You Were Trouble” is very publicly about One Direction’s Harry Styles.
My Favorite Mistake – Sheryl Crow
While she plays coy when asked directly, it’s a pretty sure thing that Eric Clapton was Sheryl Crow’s “Favorite Mistake.”
Layla – Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton wrote “Layla” about Pattie Boyd when the model was still married to George Harrison. She later left Harrison and married Clapton.
Amber – 311
311’s Amber was inspired by Nick Hexum’s relationship with former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
What Katie Did Next – The Babyshambles
Kate Moss and her troubled and chaotic relationship with Babyshambles member Pete Doherty inspired “What Katie Did Next.”
Dear John – Taylor Swift
While Taylor Swift used coded language in some of her other breakup songs, she straight up called John Mayer out in “Dear John.”
Suicide Blonde – INXS
INXS’ late Michael Hutchence wrote “Suicide Blonde” about then-girlfriend Kylie Minogue after she died her hair platinum.
Fix You – Coldplay
The greatest product to come out of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s marriage was Coldplay’s “Fix You,” which Martin wrote for Paltrow when her father died.
Seventy Times Seven – Brand New
When John Nolan slept with Brand New singer’s girlfriend, Brand New wrote “Seventy Times Seven” wishing for Nolan’s death.
Starsuckers, Inc. – Nine Inch Nails
After Trent Reznor helped Marilyn Manson produce Antichrist Superstar, Manson and Reznor had a fight, which led to Nine Inch Nails’ “Starf*ckers, Inc.”
The Last Time – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “The Last Time” is allegedly about her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal and all the ways in which he was so unreliable.
There’s No I in Team – Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday responded to Brand New’s song about John Nolan with “There’s No I in Team,” which they flippantly called an apology.
Femme Fatale – The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” was written by Lou Reed about Andy Warhol’s muse, Edie Sedgwick.
How Do You Sleep? – John Lennon
After a few jabs in his direction from Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon wrote “How Do You Sleep?” as a rebuttal.
Dear Prudence – The Beatles
John Lennon wrote The Beatles’ song “Dear Prudence” for Mia Farrow’s sister Prudence in 1967 to help her battle depression.
But Julian, I’m a Little Older Than You – Courtney Love
Julian Casablancas, from the Strokes, is said to have inspired Courtney Love’s lust-fest “But Julian, I’m a Little Older Than You.”
Violet – Hole
Courtney Love’s hatred of Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) inspired Hole’s “Violet.”
Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani
“Hollaback Girl” appeared on Gwen Stefani’s solo album and is reportedly about a spat with Courtney Love.
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
It’s probably safe to say that “Shake It Off” is about ALL of Taylor Swift’s exes, the list of which is nearly too numerous to list here.