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There's one undeniable truth about birthday girl Gwen Stefani, who turns 47 on October 3: She wears her heart on her sleeve. The breakups, the frustrations, the wistfulness... it all creeps into her lyrics and pulls listeners in. Whether she's wailing about being underestimated as a woman or mourning a failed marriage, the pop star has a way of getting under our skin. Is it any wonder her latest album is called This Is What the Truth Feels Like?
Even if you don't relate to Stefani's current country-crooning, Blake Shelton-loving ways, you can surely still appreciate the familiar sentiments expressed in her work, both with No Doubt and in her solo career. She's been through the heartbreaks and the betrayal. Her confidence has faltered. She's put up with sexism and other b-a-n-a-n-a-s BS. She totally gets us.
Read on for a roundup of lyrics that have hit us right in the heart. Keep it coming, Gwen.
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"Just A Girl"(1995)
I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worry some
I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to is making me numb.
Sexism is doing your head in.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."What You Waiting For?"(2004)
Your moment will run out
'Cause of your sex chromosome
I know it's so messed up how our society all thinks (for sure)
Life is short, you're capable (uh huh)
Oh, oh oh.
Because you're not necessarily where you thought you'd be at this age, and it's kind of stressing you out even though it's actually fine.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."Simple Kind Of Life"(2000)
Now all those simple things are simply too complicated for my life
How'd I get so faithful to my freedom?
A selfish kind of life
When all I ever wanted was the simple things
A simple kind of life.
When you want the white picket fence and the 2.5 kids, but also dig sleeping in, inappropriate crushes, and midweek cocktail parties.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."4 In The Morning" (2007)
And all I know is
You got to give me everything
And nothing less 'cause
You know I give you all of me.
Someone's taking a little too long to commit.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."Running" (2001)
Be
Be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don't stop inspiring me
Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
We work so much to keep it going
Don't make me want to give up.
When you're angry at your partner and trying so, so hard to feel loved-up, not let down.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO.Clik here to view.
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"Underneath It All" (2002)
You know some real bad tricks
And you need some discipline
But, lately you've been trying real hard
And giving me your best
And, you give me the most gorgeous sleep
That I've ever had
And when it's really bad
I guess it's not that bad.
When Gavin Rossdale your lover is kind of a mess but you're hooked, baby.
"Used To Love You" (2015)
You know I was the best thing that ever happened to you
Well, now look at what you lost, oh
You know I was the best thing that ever happened to you
Now look at what you lost, oh.
When those early suspicions about Gavin your lover turn out to be true, and you're heartbroken.
"Cool" (2005)
And after all the obstacles
It's good to see you now with someone else
And it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends
After all that we've been through
I know we're cool.
When you and your ex achieve the impossible and become friends.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."Make Me Like You"(2016)
Hey, wait a minute
No, you can't do this to me
Hey, wait a minute
No, that's not fair
Hey, wait a minute
You're on me like jewelry
I really like you, but I'm so scared.
That new crush has you feeling anxious.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO."Don't Speak"(1996)
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts.
The end is nigh and it sucks.
Video: Courtesy of VEVO.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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