When you think of Tina Turner, you likely picture her larger-than-life stage presence, a voice that could ignite arenas, and a catalog of unforgettable hits. But behind the sequins and spotlights, there was another side to Tina: the songwriter. Though her career is largely celebrated for her electrifying performances, Tina’s ability to craft lyrics and melodies that speak to the soul is an underappreciated facet of her legacy. Let’s take a dive into five songs that you probably didn’t know were written by the legendary Tina Turner herself.
Tina Turner’s Legacy as a Songwriter
Tina Turner’s career is the epitome of resilience, reinvention, and unrelenting talent. As one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century, her voice became synonymous with empowerment, freedom, and survival. But what often gets lost in the whirlwind of her fame is her contribution as a songwriter. Turner’s ability to convey raw emotion, her attention to narrative detail, and her knack for bridging genres make her a versatile songwriter whose influence reaches far beyond the scope of her chart-topping hits.
In the early days of her career with Ike Turner, Tina’s role was often reduced to being the face and voice of their partnership. Yet, behind closed doors, she was crafting lyrics and melodies that would set the stage for her solo career. Tina’s songwriting reflects her personal journey—her struggle, triumphs, and growth as both an artist and a woman. Each song she wrote carried a piece of her story, a signature of the woman who had been to hell and back, but who always found her way to the light.
1. A Surprising Hit Written by Tina: “Nutbush City Limits”
The first entry on this list is a song that longtime Tina Turner fans may know, but many casual listeners might be surprised to learn that Tina herself wrote it. “Nutbush City Limits,” released in 1973, is an autobiographical track about the small Tennessee town where Turner was born. The song is a funky, rhythmic tribute to Nutbush, a place far removed from the glitz and glamour of her later life.
What makes “Nutbush City Limits” so special is the way Tina captures the essence of rural Southern life in just a few verses. The song is laced with details that only someone who lived through it could know: “Church house, gin house / School house, outhouse.” Turner paints a vivid picture of a world that shaped her—tough, gritty, yet filled with a simple kind of beauty. The song’s pulsing groove, accompanied by her scorching vocals, turns what could have been a nostalgic ballad into a full-on anthem.
But beyond its catchy hook, “Nutbush City Limits” also reflects Tina’s desire for autonomy. The song was written during the tumultuous years of her marriage to Ike Turner, and it stands as a moment where she seized creative control. The lyrics reflect a woman yearning to reconnect with her roots, perhaps even as a way to remind herself of who she was before the fame—and before the pain.
2. A Hidden Gem: “Game of Love”
Next up is a song that never saw the same commercial success as Tina’s other tracks but remains a hidden gem in her repertoire: “Game of Love.” This track, written in the early ’80s, is a sultry, mid-tempo ballad that showcases a more introspective side of Tina. It’s not the powerhouse, belting Tina that most people are used to hearing—it’s the soulful storyteller, weaving through the complexities of love and heartbreak.
In “Game of Love,” Tina explores the fragility of relationships, drawing from her own experiences. The lyrics are vulnerable and reflective, yet the melody carries a kind of quiet strength. It’s a song about the ebb and flow of love, about the inevitability of pain but also the beauty in vulnerability. Tina’s voice, raw and raspy, pulls you into the world she’s crafted, making you feel every high and low.
While it may not have topped charts, “Game of Love” is a perfect example of Tina’s ability to take personal emotions and transform them into universal experiences. The song might not have the explosive energy of her better-known hits, but it’s proof that her songwriting prowess went far beyond what we often give her credit for.
3. A Song for Another Artist: “Don’t Turn Around”
Did you know Tina Turner penned one of the biggest hits for the band Ace of Base? That’s right—Turner originally wrote “Don’t Turn Around” with the intention of performing it herself, but it eventually found its way to other artists. The song has since been covered by numerous acts, but the version by Ace of Base in the mid-’90s is perhaps the most famous.
While the Swedish pop band brought a danceable, radio-friendly twist to the track, the original version of “Don’t Turn Around” was a far more poignant ballad. The lyrics, penned by Turner, are a masterclass in vulnerability. It’s a plea to a lover not to show the pain of leaving—“Don’t turn around, ’cause you’re gonna see my heart breakin’.” This is a side of Tina that only a true songwriter could express—a woman who has endured heartbreak but refuses to let her partner see her crumble.
The song’s emotional weight is even more profound when you consider Tina’s own life at the time. The ’80s marked a period of personal growth for her after escaping her abusive marriage, and “Don’t Turn Around” feels like a page torn from her own diary. The fact that she gave this song to other artists shows just how selfless Tina was when it came to her music. She knew the song’s potential, but she was more interested in seeing it live on, even if it wasn’t through her own voice.
4. A Chart-Topping Classic: “What You Get Is What You See”
Now, here’s a song that many would recognize, but few know was written by Tina Turner. “What You Get Is What You See” was a massive hit in the late ’80s, and it’s one of those infectious tunes that sticks with you long after the first listen. The song was co-written by Tina and Terry Britten and was featured on her 1986 album Break Every Rule.
“What You Get Is What You See” is a prime example of Tina’s ability to mix pop-rock with soulful storytelling. The lyrics are a straightforward declaration of self-worth: “You think you’re something special / But so are I.” It’s a no-nonsense anthem for anyone who refuses to settle for less than they deserve, and Turner’s delivery makes it clear that she means business.
The song’s upbeat, rock-driven melody masks the deeper message about empowerment and self-confidence. Tina was at the height of her solo career when this track was released, and it’s easy to see how the song mirrored her own life at the time. She was finally free from her past, standing tall as a solo artist, and “What You Get Is What You See” was her way of telling the world that she was in charge now—both of her music and her life.
5. An Inspirational Anthem: “Be Tender with Me Baby”
Lastly, we have “Be Tender with Me Baby,” a song that perfectly encapsulates Tina Turner’s resilience. Written in collaboration with her long-time producer Dan Hartman, this track from her 1989 album Foreign Affair is a plea for compassion and understanding. In it, Tina reveals the softer side of her hardened exterior, asking for tenderness after years of enduring pain.
“Be Tender with Me Baby” is a reflection of Tina’s journey—both personal and professional. The song speaks to the vulnerability that often comes with survival, the need for someone to see past the armor and offer kindness. In a way, it’s a song that encapsulates everything Turner stood for: strength in the face of adversity, but also the recognition that even the strongest among us need a moment of tenderness.
This track didn’t become a chart-topping hit, but it remains one of the most emotionally resonant songs in Tina’s catalog. It’s a reminder that while Turner was a powerhouse performer, she was also a woman who had been through the fire and still had the courage to ask for love and understanding.
Conclusion
Tina Turner’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest performers of all time, but her contributions as a songwriter are just as worthy of praise. Whether it’s the gritty nostalgia of “Nutbush City Limits,” the emotional depth of “Game of Love,” or the anthemic empowerment of “What You Get Is What You See,” Tina’s songs carry a piece of her soul. Each track is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unique perspective as an artist. These five songs are just a glimpse into the genius of Tina Turner, the songwriter—proving that her artistry extends far beyond the stage and into the heart of music itself
