The bedrock of David Guetta's Nicki Minaj-featuring single "Hey Mama" is a sample of "Rosie," a 1940s prison recording from folk archivist Alan Lomax that songwriter Esther Dean first showed the French DJ on YouTube.
"The Cave" by Mumford & Sons is based on the philosophy of Plato and his work called "Allegory of the Cave."
Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" was inspired by the tribes that came together at New York dance clubs.
"Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring was inspired by the Robert Ludlum novel The Bourne Identity, not by the TV show.
Adele's "Someone Like You" is the first song with just piano and voice to hit #1 in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, which started in 1958.
Sheryl Crow's "Soak Up The Sun" isn't as lighthearted as it seems: the song deals with the prevailing head-in-the-sand reaction to climate change.
A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."
One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.
When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.
Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.
Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.
For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.