To be the serious side of this discussion, there is no prerequisite, but it is likely most hits did have some of the mentioned topics. I'm sure I could find a vast number of tunes that did not mention any of the above, yet did well.

As to knowing how to, I can't say that I do. But I have written a few. I even sent some to publishers in Nashville a few years ago, but without any luck. I did get some positive feedback from a couple of publishers who said it was not what they were looking for at the time, but to keep sending material. Based on my experiences and knowledge, I would say you almost HAVE to go to Nashville and go door to door. Some people did it for years and never got past the lobby. Due to life, I was unable to continue and lost interest after a while. I still write, but no longer try to get anything published. I do have a couple that I think would do well if recorded by a known or up and coming artist. Having said all that, I have always heard, not that it's true mind you, but "you have to have lived it". My advice to a wannabe songwriter, is to buy a book, tape, or DVD on the subject by someone that has 'made' it. There are several out there. And join NSAI, Nashville Songwriters Association International. I was a member for a couple of years and they offer a lot of free services and put on clinics every year. If someone is serious about it, it is well worth joining. 

Dang, I meant to mention that. Oh well, at least you covered it.