“Joanne” is the title track off of Lady Gaga’s 2016 studio album, Joanne. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Beats 1 on 15th September, 2016, Gaga called the track “the true heart and soul of the record.” The track’s title is a reference to Gaga’s late aunt, Joanne Stefani Germanotta, who passed away on 18th December, 1974 from lupus at 19 years old. According to Gaga, her late aunt was a painter and a poet, and Gaga feels a need to continue her legacy through her music—to, in her own words, “finish [Joanne’s] business” by making it as an artist.

Gaga has frequently cited Joanne as an inspiration, telling Billboard, “I never met her, but she’s been one of the most important figures in my life,” and including a poem written by Joanne in the booklet for her 2008 breakout album, The Fame.