Diss tracks are revealing and entertaining pieces of music that fans love to pry into to get the scoop on the latest feud. Most recently, Kendrick Lamar and Drake had a public dispute via their lyrics that resulted in several diss tracks gaining mass popularity. However, diss tracks don’t just exist within the genre of rap.
Matter of fact, diss tracks have been around for ages—there is proof that classical musicians such as Richard Wagner and Beethoven took shots at their contemporaries with their music. With this long-standing tradition in mind, here are three of the most notable contemporary rock diss tracks to date.
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“You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon from No Secrets (1972)
The 1972 hit has always received hoards of speculation regarding its subject. Some folks say it was about singer/songwriter and Simon’s former husband James Taylor; others believe it was about actor Warren Beatty. Regardless of the individual in question, Simon wrote the sentimentally spiteful piece to reveal the misdeeds of an ex-lover.
The song itself is a planned attack. A deliberate takedown. A poignant piece poking at one’s faults. From the chorus to lines such as You had one eye in the mirror / as you watched yourself gavotte, Simon’s use of rage as creative fuel is exemplary. Simon knew exactly what she was doing with the piece, even though fans don’t know the man present. The diss track has become a tune to remind people to keep an eye out for red flags in their relationships.
“How Do You Sleep?” by John Lennon from Imagine (1971)
For Beatles fans, this one cuts deep. In 1971 John Lennon released “How Do You Sleep?” and made the feud between him and his longtime friend Paul McCartney public. What was once seen as a tight brotherly bond between the two was quickly subverted with Lennon’s weaponized lyrics. Lennon supposedly made the tune in response to McCartney’s debut solo album after The Beatles disbanded, but given the lyrics it seems the feelings had been festering for quite some time.
Those freaks was right when they said you was dead.
The only thing you done was yesterday
And since you’ve gone you’re just another day
Just in these lines, Lennon covers the conspiracy surrounding reports of McCartney’s death to his lack of worth to the band after “Yesterday.” In short, it seems Lennon is calling McCartney a sellout and claiming his career is not worth the praise it receives. Even though this reveals the ugly side of a band that continues to remain relevant, Lennon’s wordplay shows that frustration can get to anyone—even if you are an international superstar.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd from Second Helping (1974)
As history has told us in countless instances, Southerners don’t politely bow down and take the heat. They are bound to rebut, especially if they are Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1972, Neil Young released “Alabama,” openly bashing what he claims are the antiquated ways of the American South. Even though Young did not take a shot at Lynyrd Skynyrd directly, by taking a shot at the South he took a shot at the voice of the South. Thus, two years later, Lynyrd Skynyrd released “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her / Well, I heard ol’ Neil put her down / Well, I hope Neil Young will remember / A Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow
By acknowledging Young’s song, the band is not only calling out his generalization of the region but also trying to clear the reputation Young and other sources pinned on it at the time.
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