10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written About Celebrities

9. Gwen Stefani – Hollaback Girl

Gwen Stefani’s song “Hollaback Girl” is about Courtney Love. These two ladies had a falling out after Love called Stefani a cheerleader in an interview with Seventeen magazine. The former lead singer of No Doubt decided to respond with the song and video for “Hollaback Girl.” “Y’know someone one time called me a cheerleader, negatively, and I’ve never been a cheerleader. So I was, like, ‘OK, f*ck you. You want me to be a cheerleader? Well, I will be one then. And I’ll rule the whole world, just you watch me,’” Stefanie told NME.

8. Alanis Morissette – You Oughta Know

Dave Coulier – Uncle Joey from the sitcom “Full House” – is allegedly the inspiration behind Alanis Morissette’s song “You Oughta Know.” These two dated back in the ‘90s right before the song came out. Alanis never confirmed or denied if it was indeed about him though. After being harassed by the press about the song, Coulier cracked and said it was about him, just so that they would leave him alone.

7. Jonas Brothers – Wedding Bells

The Jonas Brothers have admitted that their song “Wedding Bells” is about Miley Cyrus. Nick Jonas used to date the attention-hungry singer back when they were teenagers and, judging by the lyrics, he was still hung up on her. If its any consolation, Cyrus didn’t end up marrying Liam Hemsworth so, if he wants another shot, now might be the time!

6. Miley Cyrus – 7 Things

Many believe that Miley Cyrus’s song “7 Things” is about her ex boyfriend, Nick Jonas. She’s never confirmed or denied the rumors. However, her best friend Mandy Jiroux did it for her. According to Jiroux, the song is most definitely about Jonas.

5. John Mayer – Paper Doll

John Mayer’s song “Paper Doll” was reportedly written in response to Taylor Swift’s song “Dear John.” A couple of the lyrics seem to indicate that the country singer turned pop sensation is indeed the subject: “You’re like 22 girls in one/And none of them know what they’re running from/Was it just too far to fall for a little paper doll?”

4. Billy Joel – Uptown Girl

Billy Joel has stated that his hit song “Uptown Girl” was written about his relationship with Elle Macpherson; however, after they broke up, it also became about his soon-to-be wife, Christie Brinkley.

3. Britney Spears – Everytime

According to one of Britney Spears’ old backing vocalists, Annet Artani, the song “Everytime” was written in response to Justin Timberlake’s song “Cry Me a River”:

“He was getting personal. Here, she had a different type of image, and he was really exposing some stuff that she probably didn’t want out there, and in front of her little sister,” Artani had explained.

2. Ed Sheeran – Don’t

After a lot of speculation, Ed Sheeran finally confirmed that his song “Don’t” is about his ex, Ellie Golding. According to him, she was fooling around with one of his friends while they were together. Many believe that the friend in question was Niall Horan from One Direction, but that speculation has yet to be confirmed.

1. Justin Timberlake – What Goes Around…Comes Around

Justin Timberlake’s song “What Goes Around…Comes Around” was reportedly inspired by the relationship his good friend Trace Ayala had with actress Elisha Cuthbert. These two were engaged when she cheated on him with a friend of his. Other people think that this song is about Britney Spears. She had cheated on Timberlake back in the day, which is what ruined their relationship.

Jack Sackman

Jack Sackman has been writing about movies and TV for Goliath since 2013.