Songs of true stories that happened to the songwriter(s)

I’m so Tired-Beatles 

John was going through a 3 week bout with insomnia. 

What’s the matter here?  10,000 Maniacs

Natalie Merchant wrote the song about a

young boy in her neighborhood who was

neglected and abused. Every time she

walked by she heard a voice screaming

obscenities at him, which she never understood

Layla - Derek and the Dominos

At the same time Clapton was reading a tragic love story written in the 12th century, he was in love with Patti Boyd who was married to George Harrison. The name of the Princess in the love story was Layla.

"Have You Ever Seen the Rain" - Creedence Clearwater Revival 

John Fogerty wrote it about his brother Tom leaving the group in '71. John said he didn't want it to make him sad anymore.  When he sings it, he wants to think of his daughter and rainbows. 

Circus, Eric Clapton

It’s about his last experience with his son

who tragically died young 

Creeque Alley: Mama’s & Papa’s

The story of the early days of the individuals who eventually came together to form the M&P’s.

Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles (Harrison)

George had gotten fed up with Apple Records and one April day decided to take a drive to the country and visit Eric Clapton, "it seems as if winter in England goes on forever, by the time spring comes you really deserve it. The relief of not having to go see all those dopey accountants was wonderful, and I walked around the garden with one of Eric’s acoustic guitars and wrote ‘Here Comes The Sun.’”.

This song and Something (in the way she moves) were Harrison's contributions to the Abbey Road album and turned out to be something of a bellwether for his musical career.

Alice's Restaurant Massacree: Arlo Guthrie (need anything more be said?)

You’re so vain, Carly Simon

Lots of speculation over the years as to

who this song is about. Carly has maintained

that one verse is about Warren Beatty but the

rest of the song is about two other men. She

has only divulged that and some initials. I 

think she will take it to her grave 🎼💜

Dancing With The Moonlight - Scorpions 

It’s about the night their plane got caught in a turbulent thunderstorm, getting tossed about, and at one point started to go down. The pilot managed an emergency landing, and after checking everything out, they were on their way again.