Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl" opens with the South African female singer Letta Mbulu saying the Swahili phrase "Naku penda piya-naku taka piya-mpenziwe." There was some geographic liberty here, as Swahili is not spoken in the West African nation of Liberia.
Mariah Carey's song "The Roof" is about her first kiss with Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
Vincent Price did the spooky narration on "Thriller." He was paid a flat fee of $20,000, turning down a percentage of the royalties that would have paid him far more.
Elvis Costello says "Everyday I Write The Book" is a knockoff of Nick Lowe's "When I Write the Book."
Props to Aretha Franklin: her song "Respect" introduced the term "propers" as a sign of proper respect.
"Airplanes" by B.o.B was written by Lupe Fiasco, who recorded it but decided to pass.
On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."
Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?
Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.
Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."
A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.
How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?