In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the pop icon Gwen Stefani opened up about the significance of one special song in her career. At 55 years old, she reflects on how "Don't Speak" has been a cornerstone of her life. This career-making hit appeared on No Doubt's 1995 album Tragic Kingdom and was written by her brother, Eric Stefani. He would stay up all night, smoking cigarettes and eating burritos, creating music that was completely different from what they were used to.

How a Song Changed Her Life

When the band played their new material for their label, they suggested simplifying the verses. Eric sat at the piano with Gwen and came up with a super edited version of the melody. At that time, Tony Kanal had split up with her, and she was on the verge of giving up. But through songwriting, she found a way to express her emotions and write the words that would become "Don't Speak". Looking back, Gwen realizes that this was a turning point in her life. "It's one of those crazy rewrites - probably the only one in history ever that actually turned out to be the heartbeat of my entire life," she adds. "I wouldn't be here without that song."

The Band's Early Days

No Doubt assembled in Anaheim, California in 1986 with Gwen as the lead singer alongside Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont, and drummer Adrian Young. They worked hard and had a great chemistry. It wasn't about trying to "make it"; it was about doing what they were passionate about. Their 1995 album Tragic Kingdom launched them to mainstream fame with the lead single "Just a Girl". Gwen recalls those days with a sense of nostalgia. " 'Just a Girl' is one of those miracles because I didn't write it for anyone to hear. I was expressing what I felt at that point in my early twenties. And it transformed from the girls being competitive to us becoming one. It's an innocent reflection on finding your own identity through your sexuality or just figuring out where you fit in."

The Band's Reunion

After going on hiatus in 2015, No Doubt reunited last April for a special set at the Coachella music festival in Indio, California. This reunion was a moment of celebration for the band and their fans. Gwen reflects on the band's 90s breakthrough and how their passion for music was always at the forefront. "We worked so hard, and we had so much chemistry between us. Every time we went to the studio, it was like a refuge from real life. That's why the music we made at that time was so unbelievably pure."

Finding Solace in Songwriting

Nearly three decades later, Gwen still finds solace and joy in songwriting. "I love writing songs. That's everything to me. If I want to feel like I have any kind of purpose or value, it's through writing a song. That's where I get my fulfillment." Songwriting has been her constant companion, helping her through the ups and downs of life.