Many of the most memorable songs are inspired by real women who left a mark on the songwriters’ hearts and minds. These tributes capture intimate stories, turning personal connections into universal anthems that listeners can feel deeply. Some of these songs were even written in honor of famous figures, while others were sparked by unknown muses.
The 1960s and 1970s were especially prolific decades for songs named after women, reflecting shifting attitudes toward love, romance, and identity. Musicians tapped into the cultural energy of the time, channeling it into songs that celebrated the women in their lives in a bold, new way. Each song carried its own story, often mirroring the changing dynamics of relationships during these transformative years.
While these songs were about specific people, they resonated far beyond their original inspirations. The names may belong to real women, but the emotions behind each track have a timeless quality, reaching listeners across generations.
“Layla” – Derek and the Dominos (1970)
“Layla” stands as one of rock’s most passionate expressions of forbidden love, born from Eric Clapton’s tormented feelings for Pattie Boyd, wife of his close friend George Harrison. The song’s title came from the classical Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi’s “The Story of Layla and Majnun,” about a man driven mad by unattainable love.
The song’s iconic piano coda, composed by drummer Jim Gordon, transformed it from a straightforward rock song into a seven-minute epic. Initially unsuccessful on its release, “Layla” gained legendary status after its acoustic reinvention on Clapton’s 1992 “Unplugged” album, winning the Grammy for Best Rock Song.
This tale of love and friendship tested would later resolve itself in real life—Boyd divorced Harrison in 1977 and married Clapton in 1979. The song remains a cornerstone of classic rock, ranked #27 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
“Ruby Tuesday” – The Rolling Stones (1967)
Keith Richards wrote this melancholic departure from the Stones’ usual sound about his former girlfriend Linda Keith, though he chose to disguise her identity with a different name. The song captured the fleeting nature of relationships in the free-spirited 1960s.
Released during the peak of the flower power era, “Ruby Tuesday” showcased the Stones’ versatility with its baroque instrumentation, including recorder and piano. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the band could succeed with gentler material.
The song’s impact extended beyond its chart success, influencing countless subsequent songs about free-spirited women and becoming a template for how to write about female independence in rock music. It remains one of the Stones’ most covered songs.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” – The Beatles (1967)
Despite decades of speculation about psychedelic influences, John Lennon maintained that the song’s title came from a drawing by his young son Julian of his classmate Lucy O’Donnell. This explanation adds a touching element of childhood innocence to what many consider a quintessential psychedelic anthem.
Released on “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” the song became central to both the album’s success and the persistent debate about drug references in Beatles songs. Whether intentional or not, its surreal imagery perfectly captured the psychedelic zeitgeist of 1967.
The song’s influence extends far beyond music—it inspired countless works of art and even led NASA astronauts to broadcast the track to Earth during the Apollo 8 mission. Lucy Vodden (née O’Donnell) remained friends with Julian Lennon until her death in 2009.
“Jolene” – Dolly Parton (1973)
One of country music’s most enduring stories of romantic rivalry, “Jolene” emerged from Dolly Parton’s early marriage to Carl Dean when a flirtatious bank teller caught his attention. The name itself came from a young fan, creating a serendipitous connection between Parton’s personal and public lives.
The song’s simple but effective narrative, combined with its haunting melody, has made it one of the most covered songs in popular music, with versions by artists from The White Stripes to Miley Cyrus. Its theme of romantic insecurity resonates across cultures and generations.
“Jolene” has become more than just a song—it’s a cultural touchstone that has inspired countless discussions about female competition and self-worth. The track was added to the National Recording Registry in 2016, recognizing its significance to American musical heritage.
“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond (1969)
Inspired by a magazine photo of young Caroline Kennedy, Neil Diamond created what would become a cultural phenomenon. He waited until 2007 to reveal the song’s inspiration, performing it at Caroline’s 50th birthday celebration.
The song’s infectious “bum-bum-bum” chorus has made it a staple at sporting events, particularly at Boston’s Fenway Park since 1997. Its appeal transcends generations and musical preferences, becoming an anthem of communal celebration.
The impact of “Sweet Caroline” goes beyond its commercial success—it has become a piece of shared cultural heritage, with audiences worldwide instinctively knowing when to join in with the chorus’s response lines. The song experienced a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a symbol of unity.
“My Sharona” – The Knack (1979)
When 25-year-old Doug Fieger met 17-year-old Sharona Alperin, he was inspired to write what would become one of new wave’s most distinctive hits. The song’s relentless beat and provocative lyrics marked a transition from punk to power pop.
Released at the height of the new wave movement, “My Sharona” spent six weeks at #1 and became the best-selling song of 1979. Its iconic guitar riff and driving rhythm influenced countless subsequent rock bands and remains instantly recognizable decades later.
The real Sharona Alperin embraced her connection to the song, later becoming a successful real estate agent in Los Angeles with the slogan “I’m Sharona!” The song has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, cementing its place in pop culture.
“Roxanne” – The Police (1978)
While staying in a cheap Paris hotel near the red-light district, Sting found inspiration in both the prostitutes he observed and a poster of the play “Cyrano de Bergerac” in the hotel lobby. The fusion of these influences led to one of The Police’s most enduring songs, blending rock with reggae rhythms.
Initially a commercial failure in 1978, “Roxanne” found success upon re-release in 1979, helping to establish The Police internationally. The song’s distinctive sound, mixing punk energy with reggae grooves, set a new template for post-punk and new wave music.
Beyond its commercial impact, “Roxanne” sparked important discussions about sex work and societal morality. The song’s sympathetic portrayal of its subject was relatively progressive for its time, and it remains a masterclass in storytelling through song, studied in music schools worldwide.
“The Wind Cries Mary” – Jimi Hendrix (1967)
Written about his girlfriend Kathy Mary Etchingham after a domestic quarrel over lumpy mashed potatoes, this gentle ballad revealed Hendrix’s softer side. The song showcased his ability to craft tender melodies alongside his revolutionary guitar work.
Recorded in a single session with just three takes, “The Wind Cries Mary” demonstrated Hendrix’s incredible efficiency in the studio. Its dreamy, psychedelic quality and poetic lyrics marked a departure from the raw energy of tracks like “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady.”
The song has become a touchstone for guitarists seeking to understand Hendrix’s more nuanced playing style. Its influence can be heard in countless ballads that combine delicate guitar work with poetic imagery.
“Darling Nikki” – Prince (1984)
Featured on Prince’s seminal album “Purple Rain,” this provocative track about an encounter with a sexually liberated woman pushed boundaries and sparked controversy. The song’s explicit content would ultimately lead to major changes in the music industry.
The track gained notoriety when Tipper Gore, after buying the album for her young daughter, was shocked by its lyrics. This led to the formation of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) and the creation of the “Parental Advisory” sticker system still used today.
While the real identity of Nikki remains unknown, the song’s impact on popular culture and music industry practices is undeniable. It represents a crucial moment in the debate over artistic expression and censorship in popular music.
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1993)
Originally recorded during sessions for Petty’s 1989 solo album “Full Moon Fever,” this track was released as a new song on his “Greatest Hits” compilation. Its ambiguous lyrics have sparked various interpretations, from a literal tale about a girl to metaphors about aging and marijuana.
The song’s iconic music video, featuring Petty as a morgue assistant dancing with Kim Basinger’s “corpse,” won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video. The track reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Petty’s most recognized songs.
“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” remains a radio staple and has taken on new meaning following Petty’s death in 2017, with many fans viewing it as a poignant meditation on mortality and lost youth.
“Barbara Ann” – The Beach Boys (1965)
Originally recorded by The Regents in 1961, The Beach Boys’ version emerged from a casual recording session where they were simply having fun between takes. The song’s namesake was Barbara Ann Fassert, sister of the original songwriter Fred Fassert.
Their spontaneous recording, complete with studio banter, became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s loose, playful energy offered listeners a glimpse into the Beach Boys’ personalities and group dynamic.
This version has become the definitive recording of the song, far outliving the original in popular memory. Its inclusion in countless films, TV shows, and commercials has made it one of the most recognizable examples of the California sound.
“Rosanna” – Toto (1982)
While actress Rosanna Arquette inspired the name, songwriter David Paich created the character as a composite of several women he had known. The song’s complex arrangement, featuring intricate rhythms and multiple key changes, showcased Toto’s musical virtuosity.
“Rosanna” won the Record of the Year Grammy Award and helped its album “Toto IV” win Album of the Year. The song’s famous “half-time shuffle” drum pattern, performed by Jeff Porcaro, became known as the “Rosanna shuffle” and has been studied by drummers for decades.
The track’s sophisticated production and arrangement influenced the sound of 1980s pop-rock, setting new standards for studio recording and musical craftsmanship. It remains a favorite among musicians for its technical excellence.
“Alison” – Elvis Costello (1977)
Inspired by a chance encounter with a supermarket worker, Costello crafted a poignant narrative about unrealized potential and settling for less in life. The song’s gentle melody contrasted with his typically aggressive early punk style.
Though never a major hit, “Alison” has become one of Costello’s signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists. Linda Ronstadt’s 1978 version helped establish it as a modern standard.
The song’s influence extends beyond its commercial impact, demonstrating how new wave artists could incorporate elements of soul and country music while maintaining their artistic integrity. It’s regularly cited as one of the greatest songs of the 1970s.
“Maggie May” – Rod Stewart (1971)
Originally a B-side to “Reason to Believe,” Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” became his breakout solo hit, inspired by his first romantic encounter with an older woman. The title was borrowed from a traditional Liverpool folk song, though Stewart’s lyrics tell a very different story.
The song’s mix of acoustic guitar, mandolin, and Stewart’s raspy vocals helped shape the folk-rock sound of the early 1970s. It reached #1 in both the UK and US, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and marking Stewart’s rise as a solo star. Ray Jackson’s mandolin work on the track influenced many folk-rock tunes that followed.
“Maggie May” has grown into a defining 1970s rock classic. Rolling Stone ranked it #131 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and its confessional style set the stage for singer-songwriter material. Its portrayal of a young man’s complex relationship with an older woman was groundbreaking, paving the way for more nuanced storytelling in popular music.