Cake lead singer John McCrea says their song "The Distance" is about the "failure of success." No matter how much we strive for victory, we'll always want more, particularly in the corporate world.
Sarah McLachlan's "Possession" contains passages from letters a stalker sent her. He sued her for using them but died by suicide before the trial.
When "Believe" hit #1 in America, it made Cher, age 52, the oldest woman ever to top the chart.
Bruce Springsteen wrote "Blinded By The Light," which was a #1 hit for Manfred Mann's Earth Band. The "Madman Drummers" line is a reference to Springsteen's first E-Street drummer, Vinnie "Mad dog" Lopez.
"Lean On" was originally sent by Major Lazer to both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj's camps as a slower reggae track. After both parties rejected the tune, Major Lazer recruited Danish singer MØ to supply vocals and they recorded it themselves.
"Reasons" by Earth, Wind & Fire is a popular wedding song, but it's actually about a one-night stand.
The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.
How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?
Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.
Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.
Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.