Songs about famous people
Elton John wrote this song in 1973 in remembrance of Marilyn Monroe, who had died in 1962 at age 36.
Goodbye Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Elton John re-wrote this song in 1997 for Princess Diana, who had also died at age 36.
Goodbye England's rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
Rosenstolz's lead singer AnNa R. tells us in this song that she wants to be just as beautiful and desired as Greta Garbo. However, she realises that she will never be as divine, no matter how hard she tries.
Färbe mir die Haare blond
Steck sie hoch wie Greta – Greta
Denn alle Männer dieser Welt
Lieben nur die Greta – Greta
It's a beautifully written song about man's search for both spirituality and enlightenment based on the life of Galileo.
How long 'til my soul gets it right
Can any human being ever reach that kind of light
I call on the resting soul of Galileo king of night vision
King of insight
This song is about Marlene Dietrich. Actually it's another song in which the singer tells us that her attempts at being just like her favourite diva fail miserably.
Oh, quelle désillusion
Je voulais tant lui ressembler
Vous ensorceler, vous 'Marlèniser'
L'Ange Bleu, pour moi c'est raté
This R.E.M. song is a tribute to American comedian Andy Kaufman, who had died at age 35. There were many rumours that his death was just a major hoax (the same way there are still rumours that the moon landing was faked – hence the title).
Now, Andy did you hear about this one?
Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Andy are you goofing on Elvis? Hey, baby
Are we losing touch?
A song by Serge Gainsbourg & Brigitte Bardot, who retell the story of famous gangster duo Bonnie and Clyde – en français !
De toute façon, ils ne pouvaient plus s'en sortir
La seule solution c'était mourir
Mais plus d'un les a suivis en enfer
Quand sont morts Barrow et Bonnie Parker
- suggested by 3oudicca -
Rumour has is that Falco never liked this song, which is more of a novelty piece of music than most of his other songs. It describes Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose musical style was revolutionary in his day, as a "punk of his time".
Er war Superstar
Er war populär
Er war so exaltiert
Because er hatte Flair
- suggested by 3oudicca -
It might disputable whether these lyrics about Grigori Rasputin are historically accurate, but this is a catchy disco tune by German group Boney M.
He ruled the Russian land and never mind the Czar
But the kasatschok he danced really wunderbar
In all affairs of state he was the man to please
But he was real great when he had a girl to squeeze
- suggested by 3oudicca -
Another take on a historical figure (who was actually called Ma Barker) by Boney M.
She was the meanest cat
Oh she was really tough
She left her husband flat
He wasn't tough enough
- suggested by 3oudicca -
According to wikipedia, Michael Collins was "was an Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician who was a leading figure in the early 20th century Irish struggle for independence". I have yet to learn more about him, but this classic folk song is a nice one.
At Easter nineteen sixteen when Pearse called them out
The men from the Dublin battalion roved out
And in the pos toffice they nobley did show
How a handful of heros could outfight the foe
- suggested by 3oudicca -
This song literally retells the story of Alexander the Great, not shy of including many historical details. Generally, these lyrics have a surprisingly narrative structure for a heavy metal song.
In a part of ancient Greece
In an ancient land called Macedonia
Was born a son
To Philip of Macedon
- suggested by Alma Barroca -
We miss Whitney Houston, don't we?
But no goodbyes, you’ll always be Miss America
We watched you fly, but nothing’s free Miss America
And as you fall apart, we just call it art
Was it so hard to breathe?
- suggested by maluca -
One of many songs about Janis Joplin. You can find more examples in the comment section.
Into my life on waves of electrical sound
And flashing light she came,
Into my life with the twist of a dial
The wave of her hand — the warmth of her smile.
- suggested by stary night -
The lyrics refer to Van Gogh's most famous work "The Starry Night". Don McLean explains how he can tell the painter's suffering from this stirring painting.
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
The song is a paean to Elvis Presley. Co-writer Christopher Ward, who was Myles' then-boyfriend, was inspired on a bus full of Elvis fans riding to Memphis attending the 10th anniversary vigil at Graceland, in 1987. (wikipedia)
Up in Memphis the music's like a heat wave
White Lightnin' bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of ev'ry school girl
Love Me Tender leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
It's about the late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. It's an imaginary description of his funeral.
Mil años tardó en morirse
Pero por fin la palmó
Los muertos del cementerio
Están de Fiesta Mayor
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
It's an eulogy for Salvador Dalí.
Dalí se desdibuja
Tirita su burbuja
Al descontar latidos
Dalí se decolora
- suggested by Trompetista -
It's obvious who this song is about.
Бе непобедим
(И се казваше...)
И ни е любим
(И се казваше...)
- suggested by Maria Kritikou -
A very nice little Russian song about Uma Thurman.
Я смотрю на тебя, в телевизоре ты,
А я на диване, в городе N зима.
Скоро выходы все и входы завалит
Травма черепно-мозговая, моя любовь.
Languages: Russian → English
Created by Sky_line on Thursday, March 20, 2014
- suggested by SilentRebel83 -
A song about sex idol David Duchovny. Actually, this was already released years before his Californication phase when he was still known for the X Files.
David Duchovny, why won't you love me?
Why won't you love me? Why won't you love me?
David Duchovny, why won't you love me?
Why won't you love me? Why won't you love me?
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
About Makarios III and his exile after the Turkish invasion in 1974.
En su despacho presidencial
Su eminencia lo intuye, algo va mal
oigo voces fuera, qué es lo que pasa
los turcos han rodeado la casa
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
About Muhammad XII of Granada (also known as Boabdil). The legend says that when the Catholic Monarchs conquered Granada in 1492 and ejected the moors, Boabdil gave a last look back to the city and gave a loud sigh.
Dicen que es verdad
que su alma está
encantada por perder un día a Granada
y que lloraba
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
About Karen Ann Quinlan.
Karen ya no tiene flores en el pelo
Los ángeles no pueden llevarla hasta el cielo
Karen ha tirado la casa por la ventana
Karen es ahora una diosa aletargada
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
About the suicide of Spanish bullfighter Juan Belmonte.
Para, manda y templa.
Belmonte nunca tiembla.
Seduce a tus amigos
y diles la verdad.
- suggested by Diazepan Medina -
It's about Dionisio Rodríguez Martín (known as El Dioni). He was a former safety guard in an enterprise, and then he was downsized to driver. In 1989, while he was in charge of the custody of a van with 300 millions of pesetas, he ran off with the truck to his car, passed the money bags to the car, drove to the airport and fled to Brazil with the money where he wasted it. He was arrested 2 months after and spent 6 years in prision. Joaquin wrote this song for him for having a good pair of balls to scape with the money.
Con su buen par de zapatos de cocodrilo
no se le resiste ni la Venus de Milo
sobre todo si te pagan por un francés
dos veces lo que ganaba en Madrid currando un mes.
- suggested by maluca -
This is Muhammad Ali's theme song.
Muhammad, was known to have said
You watch me shuffle and I'll jab off your head
He moves like the black superman
And calls to the other guy: "I'm Ali, catch me if you can"
- suggested by makis 17 -
Don McLean's song "American Pie" is generally regarded as a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on how rock and roll changed in the years since his death. There are thought to be several Dylan references in the song.
I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
Something touched me deep inside
The day the music died
- suggested by Janet001 -
Caruso, the story of the great tenor, as sung by the composer Lucio Dalla and Luciano Pavarotti.
Vide le luci in mezzo al mare
Pensò alle notti la in America
Ma erano solo le lampare
E la bianca scia di un'elica
Languages: Italian → English
Created by tzina772000 on Thursday, October 9, 2008
- suggested by St. Sol -
The song is dedicated to the life and work of Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516).
В комнате луч света
Тишиной храним
В тишине шатаясь
Пляшет Иероним
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/james-blunt-miss-america-lyrics.html
Song written as a tribute to Whitney Houston.
Songs written about Janis Joplin:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/jerry-garcia-bird-song-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/country-joe-fish-janis-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/mimi-farina-quiet-morning-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/lana-del-rey-chelsea-hotel-no-2-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/Don-McLean-Vincent-lyrics.html
it's about van Gogh
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/Alannah-Myles-Black-Velvet-lyrics.html
About Elvis
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/joaquin-sabina-adivina-adivinanza-lyrics....
It's about the late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. It's an imaginary description of his funeral.
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/mecano-eungenio-salvador-dal%C3%AD-lyrics...
It's an eulogy for Salvador Dali
Ska/punk song about Bruce Lee:
https://lyricstranslate.com/bg/bruce-lee-%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81-%D0%BB...
Jessica Simpson:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/adam-green-jessica-lyrics.html
David Duchovny:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/bree-sharp-david-duchovny-lyrics.html
About Makarios III and his exile after the Turkish invasion in 1974
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/un-pinguino-en-mi-ascensor-arzobispo-maka...
About Charles Lindbergh Jr, waiting in heaven for his dad
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/asfalto-el-hijo-de-lindbergh-lyrics.html
About Muhammad XII of Granada (also known as Boabdil). The legend says that when the Catholic Monarchs conquered Granada in 1492 and ejected the moors, Boabdil gave a last look back to the city and gave a loud sigh.
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/los-puntos-llorando-por-granada-lyrics.html
About Karen Ann Quinlan
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/glutamato-ye-ye-la-balada-de-karen-quinla...
About the suicide of Juan Belmonte (spanish bullfighter)
https://lyricstranslate.com/es/gabinete-caligari-sangre-espa%C3%B1ola-ly...
Joaquin Sabina sings more songs about famous people:
about Christina Onassis
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/joaquin-sabina-pobre-cristina-lyrics.html
about Chavela Vargas
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/joaquin-sabina-por-el-bulevar-de-los-sue%...
Another one by Joaquin Sabina
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/joaquin-sabina-con-un-par-lyrics.html
It's about Dionisio Rodríguez Martín (known as El Dioni). He was a former safety guard in an enterprise, and then he was downsized to driver. In 1989, while he was in charge of the custody of a van with 300 millions of pesetas, he ran off with the truck to his car, passed the money bags to the car, drove to the airport and fled to Brazil with the money where he wasted it. He was arrested 2 months after and spent 6 years in prision. Joaquin wrote this song for him for having a good pair of balls to scape with the money.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhXaBLIBso
The Black Superman - Muhammed Ali
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/Billy-Joel-We-Didnt-Start-Fire-lyrics.html
We didn't start the fire - yes, Billy Joel likes name-dropping!
Don McLean's song "American Pie" is generally regarded as a tribute to Buddy Holly and a commentary on how rock and roll changed in the years since his death.
There are thought to be several Dylan references in the song.
https://lyricstranslate.com/el/Don-McLean-American-pie-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/evita-dont-cry-me-argentina-lyrics.html-0
Don't Cry for Me Argentina, about Eva Perón.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/node/68187
Caruso, the story of the great tenor, as sung by the composer Lucio Dalla and Luciano Pavarotti.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/me-enamor%C3%A9-i-feel-love.html
Me enamoré by Shakira, about her partner Gerard Piqué who plays for FC Barcelona and Spain.
Not long after they met while shooting the Waka Waka video in Madrid, she told him on the phone that she was going to sing at the World Cup final, to which he replied:
Voy a ganar para poderte ver en la final.
I am going to win so that I can see you at the final.
And that's how Spain won World Cup 2010 and Gerard the girl!
Just one more:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/Carly-Simon-Youre-So-Vain-lyrics.html
Carly Simon - You're So Vain
For over 40 years, questions flew - Who is it? Is it him or him or him? Carly kept mum, until 2014 when she disclosed that verse 2 is about Warren Beatty:
You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive.
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/piknik-russia-hieronymus-%D0%B8%D0%B5%D1%...
.
The song is dedicated to the life and work of Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516).
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/luzmila-carpio-bartolina-sisa-lyrics.html
This song is about Bartolina Sisa, who together with her husband commanded an uprising of the indigenous people in Bolivia against the Spaniards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolina_Sisa
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/mercedes-sosa-juana-azurduy-lyrics.html
Juana Azurduy was another leader of armed forces fighting the Spaniards in Bolivia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juana_Azurduy_de_Padilla
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/hayley-westenra-amália-por-amor-lyrics.html
This song was dedicated to famous portuguese singer amalia rodrigues shortly after she died
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/marianne-faithfull-song-nico-lyrics.html
Song about the German singer Nico
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/nico-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/silvio-rodr%C3%ADguez-el-pintor-de-las-mu...
Song about the Cuban painter José Masiques.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/Bob-Dylan-Hurricane-lyrics.html
About the boxer Rubin Carter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubin_Carter
About Kurt Cobain
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/cher-fall-kurts-blues-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/casa-del-vento-rachel-and-storm-lyrics.html
About Rachel Corrie, an American activist and diarist, killed during an Israeli military operation after a three-hour confrontation between Israeli soldiers operating two bulldozers and eight ISM activists.
The whole album "Songs for Drella" by John Cale & Lou Reed is about Andy Warhol.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/john-cale-lou-reed-lyrics.html
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/simply-red-shell-have-go-lyrics.html
A hatred song on Margaret Thatcher.
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/reinhard-mey-kaspar-lyrics.html
This song is about Kaspar Hauser.
Are you still adding to this list?
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/gabriel-cotabi%C8%9B%C4%83-voice-abovetri...
This song is about Freddie Mercury
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/ali-effendi-napoleon-lyrics.html
Napoleon by Ali Effendi
About Elvis Presley https://lyricstranslate.com/en/danny-mirror-i-remember-elvis-presley-lyr...
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/oana-sarbu-michael-jackson-lyrics.html
About Michael Jackson - written around the time of the first gig in Bucharest(about fall 1992)
Frédéric François Chopin
https://lyricstranslate.com/pl/Gazebo-I-Chopin-lyrics.html
Falco - Rock me, Amadeus
Boney M - Rasputin
Boney M - Ma Baker
The Wolfe Tones - Michael Collins
Iron Maiden - Alexander the Great