Buddy Holly got the title for his hit song "That'll Be The Day" from a phrase John Wayne repeats in the 1956 movie The Searchers.
The White Stripes song "We're Going To Be Friends" is very innocent, but Jack White feared it would be interpreted cynically. It wasn't, and was even adapted into a children's book.
Christina Perri's "Jar Of Hearts," written about her ex, became a big hit after it was used in a routine on So You Think You Can Dance.
"Killing An Arab" by The Cure was inspired by Albert Camus' book The Stranger.
The songwriting team Leiber and Stoller wrote "Hound Dog" for a blues singer named Big Mama Thronton, who first recorded the song in 1953. Elvis covered it in 1956, and it became his biggest hit.
The Bangles song "Eternal Flame" was inspired by a display at Graceland that honored Elvis Presley.
Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.
Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.
On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.
Songwriters have used cards and card games to make sense of heartache, togetherness, and even Gonorrhea.
Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.
