5 Hit Songs That Were Written In One Afternoon (And Made Millions)

It’s truly fascinating how some of the world’s biggest hits were born in the blink of an eye—or, more accurately, in a single afternoon. Imagine sitting down with a cup of coffee and, just a few hours later, creating a song that would resonate with millions and line your pockets with cash. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for these artists, it was a reality. Let’s take a look at five iconic songs that were penned in record time, turning fleeting inspiration into lasting success.

1. “I Will Always Love You” – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton – Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN (09/24/2011)

First up is the timeless classic “I Will Always Love You,” which Dolly Parton wrote in just one afternoon in 1973. Picture this: Dolly, sitting at her kitchen table in Nashville, reflecting on her bittersweet departure from a band. With a few strokes of her pen, she captured the essence of love and longing in a way that resonated deeply with listeners. The song was initially a country hit, but it exploded in popularity when Whitney Houston covered it for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack in 1992. Talk about a cash cow! Dolly reportedly made millions from royalties, proving that a heartfelt song can stand the test of time.

2. “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman

Next, we have “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, a song that paints a vivid picture of escaping life’s troubles. Tracy wrote this gem in one afternoon during a songwriting session. The lyrics are so relatable, capturing the hope and struggle of wanting a better life. Released in 1988, it became an anthem for anyone dreaming of freedom. The song’s success earned Tracy a Grammy and a hefty paycheck, with millions in sales. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best stories come from the simplest moments of inspiration.

3. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran

Now, let’s fast forward to modern music with Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.” Ed is known for his knack for catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, but did you know this smash hit was written in just a few hours? He teamed up with Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, and before they knew it, they had a song that would top charts around the globe. Released in 2017, it became one of the best-selling digital singles ever, raking in over $10 million in royalties alone. Not too shabby for a casual afternoon jam session!

4. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele

Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” is another fabulous example of lightning striking in a short amount of time. The powerhouse vocalist and her co-writer, Paul Epworth, crafted this hauntingly beautiful song in just a few hours. It’s hard to believe something so powerful could come together so quickly, but that’s the magic of creativity. Released in 2010, the track shot to the top of the charts and earned Adele numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Not to mention, it helped her sell millions of albums. That’s what we call a win-win!

5. “Stay” – Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

Last but certainly not least is “Stay,” a collaboration between Rihanna and Mikky Ekko. This emotional ballad emerged from a writing session that lasted only a few hours. The raw, vulnerable lyrics paired with Rihanna’s stunning vocals struck a chord with fans, and the song quickly climbed the charts after its release in 2012. It’s one of those tracks that stays with you long after the music stops, and the success it garnered translated into big bucks for both artists. Who knew that a couple of hours of creativity could lead to such heart and cash?

Why Do These Songs Work?

So, what’s the secret sauce behind these quick hits? It seems that when artists tap into genuine emotions and experiences, magic happens. The pressure of time can sometimes force creativity to flow more freely, allowing artists to capture feelings in their rawest form. Plus, let’s be honest, there’s something kind of exciting about knowing a song was whipped up in a flash. It feels spontaneous, real, and oh-so-human.

Of course, not every song written in a hurry will become a classic, but these five prove that sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. Whether you’re a budding songwriter or just a music lover, it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty of these quick creations.

Vinyl and Velvet