Pink Floyd's "Run Like Hell" was released as a single in America because it has a catchy beat, but the lyrics describe a reign of terror instigated by the despot Pink, the main character in the concept album The Wall.
"Brad Paisley's "River Bank" was inspired by his childhood growing up 500 yards from the Ohio River.
"Veronica" was inspired by Elvis Costello's grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
"Nuclear Device (The Wizard of Aus)" by The Stranglers was written about the then Premier of Queensland, Joh Bjelke-Petersen. His political shenanigans were observed by the band during their first tour of Australia.
The first version of The Beatles' "Helter Skelter" was a 27-minute jam, so you can imagine what Ringo was going through pounding away on drums. To convince the guys he needed a break, he screamed, "I've got blisters on my fingers!" This was included on the fadeout.
Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" was inspired by the tribes that came together at New York dance clubs.
We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.
How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.
Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.
Tyler talks about his true love: songwriting. How he identifies the beauty in a melody and turns sorrow into art.
Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.
