Gwen Stefani loves to write about her boyfriends. It's not like they even have any say in the matter - just ask Tony Kanal, bassist extraordinaire. Yeah, practically the whole No Doubt album Tragic Kingdom is about Gwen & Tony's seven year relationship. And then Tony had to tour in support of Tragic Kingdom for several years, playing the songs on a nightly basis. Luckily, he's a good sport and he's also one of Gwen's best friends.
Back when Tony joined No Doubt in 1987, Gwen was like - "damn, he's hot" and eventually they started seeing each other in secret. Seven years later, they broke up because apparently, Tony "needed space". Gwen, on the other hand, was ready to get married. So, the portfolio of songs about Tony began with "Don't Speak" - the song that helped No Doubt sell over 10 million albums worldwide. Eventually Gwen started to write more about her husband Gavin Rossdale, but Tony still sometimes pops up in lyrics - most recently her latest single Cool, which thanks him for his friendship. Here's a look at the songs Gwen has written about Tony, from the past to the present.
DON'T SPEAK
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "I really feel that I'm losing my best friend, I can't believe this could be the end."
Originally, this was meant to be a love song. But when Tony broke up with Gwen, she re-wrote the lyrics and it turned into a tale of loss and denial. Then the single blew up and suddenly their relationship became widespread public knowledge, yet Tony seemed chill about it and even let Gwen sing directly to him in the video.
» Watch a clip
SUNDAY MORNING
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "Sappy pathetic little me, that was the girl I used to be. You had me on my knees."
Just because the Tragic Kingdom album is about a break-up doesn't mean that it has to be depressing. This upbeat song is one of Tony's favourites, even though it comes down to being about his imperfections.
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HEY YOU
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "Hey you, you naive thing. Your patience in time will tire."
For once Gwen doesn't address Tony, but herself; she had a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed outlook on their relationship until it ended abruptly and she began to realize that she was being credulous about their life together.
» Watch a clip
SIMPLE KIND OF LIFE
Album: Return Of Saturn
Sample Lyric: "If we met tomorrow for the very first time, would it start all over again, would I try to make you mine?"
This whole song isn't about Tony. At its core, it's a pouring out of Gwen's hopes and dreams - to get married and settle down. She drifts back to her old relationship, which at the time was the closest she'd ever come to getting married. "You seem like you'd be a good Dad", she sings - although we're unsure if she's addressing Tony or Gavin at this point.
» Watch a clip
COOL
Album: Love, Angel, Music, Baby
Sample Lyric: "It's hard to remember how it felt before, now I found the love of my life."
Gwen thought that she was over writing about Tony until she worked with Dallas Austin on her solo album. He presented her with a song that he had tried to write, which was inspired by "Simple Kind Of Life". The subject matter was a love relationship that eventually turned into a best friendship - and Gwen was instantly moved to write the lyrics about Tony.
» Watch a clip
TONY, TONY, TONY
Outside of No Doubt's video collection lies an extended portfolio of tunes written just for Tony Kanal. Appropriate to the time of their break-up, most of them come from the album Tragic Kingdom.
"Happy Now"
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "No more leaning on your shoulder. I won't be there, no more bother."
"End It On This"
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "I open up, you ignore me, you're not the same at all."
"Excuse Me Mr"
Album: Tragic Kingdom
Sample Lyric: "Like most you try not to see me; you stare straight ahead, ignore the responsibility."
"Everything In Time"
Album: Everything In Time (B-Sides, Rarities, Remixes)
Sample Lyric: "Is it wrong holding on to my best friend, my faded lover?"
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