10 Classic Rock Songs Inspired by Feuds with Other Artists

Some of the most memorable classic rock songs were born out of conflict—not just with the world, but with other artists. Whether it was a personal falling out, a creative dispute, or just plain resentment, musicians often turned their anger into lyrics. These songs might sound like catchy hits on the surface, but many of them are pointed messages aimed at real people in the industry. Here’s a look at 10 tracks that were directly inspired by feuds, frustrations, and rivalries between famous rock stars and bands.

Aerosmith – “Sweet Emotion”

Steven Tyler wrote much of “Sweet Emotion” out of frustration with Joe Perry’s girlfriend at the time, Elyssa Jerret. Tyler felt she was distracting Perry from the band and taking up all his time. Perry would often show up late or miss rehearsals altogether, which made things tense between them.

Tyler’s lyrics are filled with passive shots about people talking nonsense and wasting time. He also later claimed Jerret was using most of Perry’s drugs, which upset him. Tyler wasn’t just annoyed at the situation—he felt she was making things worse for everyone in the group.

David Bowie – “Teenage Wildlife”

David Bowie didn’t hide his feelings toward some younger artists copying his style. “Teenage Wildlife” was mainly seen as a dig at Gary Numan, who had gained fame using a similar futuristic image and electronic sound. Bowie said Numan repeated the same themes and lacked originality.

Bowie criticized the idea that technology would fix everything in the future. He felt that this message wasn’t real and that artists like Numan had misunderstood his earlier work. The song’s lyrics show Bowie’s irritation with how people read too much into his influence on pop culture.

The Beatles – “Sexy Sadie”

John Lennon wrote “Sexy Sadie” after feeling betrayed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Lennon said the guru made unwanted advances toward actress Mia Farrow during the band’s time in India, which made him lose trust. Instead of naming him, Lennon changed the lyrics to hide the target.

While Lennon later admitted the song was personal and emotional, the others in the band weren’t convinced. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Cynthia Lennon didn’t believe the claims about the Maharishi. Still, Lennon used the song to express his anger during a difficult moment.

Deep Purple – “Smooth Dancer”

“Smooth Dancer” might sound like a breakup song, but it’s actually directed at guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Vocalist Ian Gillan wrote the lyrics after building tension between himself and Blackmore while working together in Deep Purple. The two had a complicated working relationship.

Lines like “you’re acting like a girl with a false pregnancy” were not about a woman but about Gillan’s view of Blackmore’s behavior. The sarcasm and bitterness in the lyrics came from real frustration within the band, which eventually led to Gillan’s temporary departure.

Bob Dylan – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”

Bob Dylan’s “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat” is often believed to mock model and actress Edie Sedgwick. She had been close to Dylan and featured in Andy Warhol’s art scene, but their relationship reportedly became strained. Dylan denied being romantically involved with her.

The song makes fun of someone obsessed with fashion and style, and many fans think it fits Sedgwick’s image. Dylan never confirmed who it was about, but the sarcastic lyrics point to someone he felt was shallow or fake. It’s one of his more playful but biting tracks.

John Lennon – “How Do You Sleep?”

John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep?” was a direct response to Paul McCartney’s solo work, especially parts of Ram. Lennon felt that McCartney was taking subtle shots at him and Yoko Ono. So he fired back with this angry song.

Lennon admitted that he wrote it from a place of resentment. He said he used those feelings to write something personal rather than just trying to insult Paul. The lyrics are sharp and unforgiving, showing the tension that remained after the Beatles broke up.

The Guess Who – “Glamour Boy”

The Guess Who wrote “Glamour Boy” as a reaction to the rising glam rock trend in the early 1970s. The band saw artists like David Bowie, Elton John, and Alice Cooper getting a lot of attention with flashy clothing and theatrical shows. Some fans think this track was aimed at them.

The lyrics mock the idea of fame based on image rather than music. While some glam rock artists were talented performers, others were criticized for putting style over substance. “Glamour Boy” was a way for The Guess Who to push back against what they saw as music losing its edge.

Heart – “Barracuda”

“Barracuda” came out of a real incident that upset Ann and Nancy Wilson. Their record label ran a suggestive ad using a topless photo from their Dreamboat Annie shoot. It featured the caption “it was only our first time,” making it sound like the sisters were lovers.

At a fan event, a man asked Ann about her “lover,” which she assumed meant her boyfriend. But he was really referring to her sister Nancy. Furious at the label and the situation, they wrote “Barracuda” as a response to the way women in rock were treated and misrepresented.

Paul McCartney – “Too Many People”

Paul McCartney’s “Too Many People” contains lyrics aimed at John Lennon and Yoko Ono. McCartney felt that Lennon had become bossy and preachy in the years following the Beatles’ breakup. The song includes subtle lines that criticize Lennon’s approach.

The lyrics talk about people pushing their opinions and trying to lead others. McCartney later admitted he was annoyed at how Lennon was acting, especially when it came to peace activism and interviews. The song’s tone is less angry than Lennon’s reply, but the message is still clear.

George Harrison – “Wah Wah”

George Harrison wrote “Wah Wah” during a rough patch with Paul McCartney. While recording what would become Let It Be, Harrison felt that his ideas were being ignored. He became so frustrated that he walked out of the session.

Later that day, Harrison wrote the song by himself at home. Although the title sounds like it’s about guitar effects, it’s actually a reference to the emotional noise in his head. “Wah Wah” reflected how tired he was of the drama and pressure surrounding the Beatles at that point.