Three 1980s songs are highlighted as being shaped by the artists’ real romantic relationships and break-ups.

– Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” was initially conceived as “Uptown Girls”, reflecting several relationships following his divorce, including those with Elle Macpherson and Christie Brinkley.
– Phil Collins’ “I Don’t Care Anymore” addresses the aftermath of his divorce from first wife Andrea Bertorelli, expressing emotional detachment while he had begun a relationship with Jill Tavelman.
– Paul Simon’s “Hearts And Bones”, and much of its parent album, drew on his complicated relationship with Carrie Fisher; they married, divorced in 1984, and later briefly resumed dating.