by Lady Gaga: The Hidden Songwriter Behind Many Hits
Lady Gaga is one of the most successful pop artists of all time, known for her unique style, powerful vocals, and catchy songs. However, what many fans may not realize is that Gaga is also an incredibly talented songwriter who has helped pen numerous hits, both for herself and other major artists. While Gaga always puts her own unmistakable stamp on the songs she records, she has also gifted her writing skills to empower the careers of her peers. Here is a closer look at some of the biggest songs Lady Gaga has co-written over the years.
“Till It Happens to You”
One of Gaga’s most impactful co-writes was “Till It Happens to You” from the 2015 documentary The Hunting Ground. The film explores the troubling issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Gaga was deeply moved after seeing the film and wanted to contribute a song that would help give survivors a voice and spread an important message.
She co-wrote “Till It Happens to You” with Diane Warren and it became the centerpiece of the documentary. Sung entirely a cappella, Gaga’s raw vocals are stripped bare to emphasize the emotion and gravity of the lyrics. The song brings listeners into the perspective of a survivor and highlights how sexual violence can affect anyone, at any time.
Upon its release, “Till It Happens to You” received widespread critical acclaim for using Gaga’s platform to shine a light on such an important social issue. It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2016 Academy Awards in recognition of its impact. While it didn’t take home the Oscar, the song undeniably helped further the conversation around campus sexual assault.
“Heather”
In 2013, Gaga co-wrote “Heather” with producers DJ White Shadow and Dino Zisis for Katy Perry’s album Prism. However, the song ultimately didn’t make the final tracklist. Unwilling to let the tune go unheard, Gaga decided to record her own version for the deluxe edition of her album Artpop, released later that year.
Gaga’s version retains the catchy pop sound but puts her own spin on the lyrics, changing some pronouns to fit her perspective. The song explores themes of jealousy and suspicion in a relationship. Its lyrics hint at rumors of infidelity with the titular “Heather,” leaving just enough mystery to fuel speculation.
Fans enjoyed getting a glimpse into Gaga’s songwriting process by hearing one of her cuts reworked for her own voice after being intended for another artist. It was another example of how she generously shares her talents while also putting her indelible stamp on any song that bears her name.
“Diamond Heart”
In early 2016, Gaga gifted her songwriting abilities to Rihanna for the singer’s eighth studio album Anti. One of the tracks Gaga co-wrote was “Diamond Heart,” a brooding ballad that plays to Rihanna’s strengths as a vocalist.
The lyrics describe a woman who has built walls around her heart after experiencing pain, yet still yearns to love and be loved. Gaga crafted moody music and imagery to match Rihanna’s sultry delivery. Critics praised “Diamond Heart” upon Anti’s release for its dark, hypnotic soundscape.
By lending her pen to Rihanna, one of the industry’s biggest stars, Gaga demonstrated she is equally skilled at writing for other artists as for herself. She understood Rihanna’s style and crafted a song tailor-made to highlight the singer’s talents. It was another example of how Gaga generously shares her gifts within the music community.
“Just Like Fire”
In 2016, Disney tapped Gaga to write and record a song for the Alice Through the Looking Glass movie soundtrack. She rose to the challenge with the high-energy track “Just Like Fire.” Its lyrics capture the whimsical and magical world of Alice with references to “purple mist” and “kaleidoscope dreams.”
Sonically, “Just Like Fire” has a bouncy, electronic pop sound with elements of dance and EDM. Gaga layers her powerful vocals over pulsing beats and synths to conjure a sense of wonder. Critics praised how seamlessly she translated the visuals and themes of Alice into musical form.
The song was popular on mainstream pop and dance radio upon its release. Its infectious melody and lyrics made it a perfect fit for the film. With “Just Like Fire,” Gaga proved her versatility by crafting a song tailored specifically for a movie property, capturing an imaginative spirit while still feeling authentic to her style.
“Telephone” feat. Beyoncé
One of Gaga’s most iconic collaborations was “Telephone” from her 2010 album The Fame Monster. Not only did the song feature a show-stopping guest verse from Queen Bey herself, but Beyoncé also contributed to its writing.
“Telephone” takes the familiar device of two best friends chatting on the phone and transforms it into a sassy, playful ode to female friendship and empowerment. Lines like “Girl I hear you’re doing fine” set the carefree yet supportive tone.
Sonically, the track is a dance-pop tour de force, blending club beats with elements of retro pop and hip hop. Gaga and Beyoncé’s charismatic vocals are perfectly in sync over the vibrant production. The music video, featuring both stars in memorable costumes, cemented “Telephone’s” status as a cultural touchstone.
Having Beyoncé, one of the biggest pop stars of all time, lend her pen and presence elevated “Telephone” to new heights. It showed Gaga’s collaborative spirit and ability to craft hits whether solo or with peers by her side. The song’s legacy of empowering women endures over a decade later.
Conclusion
Through hits like “Till It Happens to You,” “Heather,” “Diamond Heart,” “Just Like Fire,” and “Telephone,” Lady Gaga has proven herself a gifted songwriter capable of penning material for any genre or artist. She generously shares her talents within the industry while also putting her unmistakable stamp on any project bearing her name.
Gaga understands how to craft lyrics and melodies that highlight the unique styles of peers like Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. She also adapts her songwriting to suit different mediums like movies and documentaries. Above all, Gaga uses her platform to empower important social causes and help spread meaningful messages. Her behind-the-scenes contributions establish her as one of pop’s most talented creatives across many disciplines.
