5 Times Classic Rockers Dissed Each Other in Their Songs

Rock music has always been about raw emotion and honest expression. Sometimes, that honesty leads artists to call out their peers directly in their songs. These musical confrontations have become legendary, offering fans a glimpse into the rivalries and tensions behind the scenes. Here are five notable instances where classic rock musicians took lyrical jabs at each other.​

1. John Lennon – “How Do You Sleep?” (1971)

After The Beatles disbanded, tensions between John Lennon and Paul McCartney became public. In response to McCartney’s song “Too Many People,” Lennon released “How Do You Sleep?” on his Imagine album. The lyrics were pointed, with lines like, “The only thing you done was ‘Yesterday’ / And since you’ve gone you’re just another day.” This track highlighted the deep rift between the former bandmates during that period.​

The song’s confrontational tone shocked many fans. While Lennon later acknowledged that some of the anger was also directed at himself, the track remains a stark example of personal disputes spilling into music. It stands as a testament to the complexities of their post-Beatles relationship.​

2. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama” (1974)

Neil Young’s songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama” criticized the American South’s history of racism. Lynyrd Skynyrd responded with “Sweet Home Alabama,” directly addressing Young with the line, “I hope Neil Young will remember, a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow.” The song defended Southern pride and challenged Young’s portrayal of the region.​

Despite the lyrical clash, there was mutual respect between the artists. Young later admitted that his own lyrics were overly harsh, and members of Lynyrd Skynyrd acknowledged their admiration for Young’s music. This exchange remains one of rock’s most famous musical dialogues.​

3. The Smiths – “Bigmouth Strikes Again” (1986)

Morrissey, known for his sharp tongue, directed “Bigmouth Strikes Again” at the music press, expressing frustration with how his words were often twisted. The song’s lyrics reflect his feelings of being misrepresented: “Now I know how Joan of Arc felt.” It was a direct critique of journalists who, in his view, misinterpreted his statements.​

The track’s energetic guitar work, inspired by the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” added to its punch. While not targeting a specific individual, the song encapsulated the tension between artists and the media, highlighting the challenges of public life.​

4. Pavement – “Range Life” (1994)

In “Range Life,” Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus took aim at fellow ’90s bands, notably the Smashing Pumpkins. The lyrics, “Out on tour with the Smashing Pumpkins / Nature kids, they don’t have no function,” were seen as a jab at the band’s style and success. This led to tension between the groups.​

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins reportedly reacted by removing Pavement from a Lollapalooza lineup. Malkmus later downplayed the diss, suggesting it was more about the absurdity of band names than personal animosity. Nonetheless, the song remains a notable example of inter-band rivalry.​

5. Ringo Starr – “Back Off Boogaloo” (1972)

Ringo Starr’s “Back Off Boogaloo” has been interpreted by some as a critique of Paul McCartney’s solo work. Lines like “Wake up, meathead / Don’t pretend that you are dead” were seen as veiled references to McCartney’s music and the “Paul is dead” conspiracy. Starr, however, denied these interpretations.​

Despite the denials, the song’s timing and content suggest underlying tensions. Starr’s call for more “tasty” music was perceived by some as a challenge to McCartney to produce better material. The track adds another layer to the complex post-Beatles dynamics.​