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.
"Panama" by Van Halen is not about the country or the canal, but about a stripper David Lee Roth met in Arizona.
The line, "Gotta keep 'em separated" in "Come Out And Play" by The Offspring came to lead singer Dexter Holland when he was a medical student and needed to keep bacteria samples away from each other.
Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" was inspired by the tribes that came together at New York dance clubs.
The Bangles song "Eternal Flame" was inspired by a display at Graceland that honored Elvis Presley.
"Aberdeen" by Cage The Elephant is named after the birthplace of Kurt Cobain. It's in Grays Harbor County, Washington.
They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.
The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.
Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.
Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.
Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."
The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.