"Paper Planes" was inspired by M.I.A.'s hassles trying to get a visa to enter America.
Neil Young wrote the CSN&Y song "Ohio" about the Kent State Shootings, when the National Guard opened fire on students at Kent State University in Ohio, killing four.
The Four Seasons' "Walk Like a Man," released in 1963, was the first Hot 100 #1 hit with a simile in its title.
There really is a China Grove (in Texas), but Tom Johnston didn't know about it when he wrote the Doobie Brothers song.
The lyric to "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips was inspired by Chynna Phillips' struggles with addiction. "Hold on for one more day" is something she heard in AA meetings.
Bob Dylan's most popular song is "Like A Rolling Stone," which tells the story of a wealthy woman whose money and friends fall away. Dylan offers these mockingly encouraging words: "When you ain't got nothing, you got nothing to lose."
The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.
Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.
The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.
The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.
In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.
The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.