For Melissa Etheridge , songwriting has always been a deeply personal act, a way to share the raw truths of her life with the world.

“Songwriters write what they know, right? What they feel, what they think, what they’re afraid of, and what they desire,” Etheridge said during a recent call, taking a quick break from tour life and traveling Europe. “That’s always been my job as a songwriter, to dig deep and get into those spaces.”

This approach to songwriting — rooted in vulnerability and honesty — has been a defining element of Etheridge’s career, helping her connect with audiences from the very beginning. Since her debut in 1988, Etheridge has built a loyal fan base with music that goes beyond reflecting on her own life — it offers listeners a chance to connect with their own.

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