Paul McCartney wrote "Blackbird" in Scotland after reading about race riots in the U.S. when federal courts forced the racial desegregation of the Arkansas capital's school system.
George Michael was 17 and on a bus to his job at the cinema when he came up with the idea for "Careless Whisper" and the lyrics, "Something in your eyes calls to mind a silver screen."
"You Get What You Give" by The New Radicals was the first hit song to use the word "frenemies" in the lyrics.
"The House Of The Rising Sun" is a traditional folk song, either about a brothel or a prison.
The Goo Goo Dolls got the title for their song "Iris" from a Country singer named Iris DeMent.
Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.
Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?
Do their first three albums have French titles? Is "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" really meaningless? See if you can tell in this Fact or Fiction.
The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.
The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.
A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."
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