"Babylon," in David Gray's song, refers to London, which was once known as the "modern-day Babylon."
Michael Jackson was only 11 years and 5 months old when the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" became the group's first #1 hit. This made Jackson the youngest group member ever to top the Hot 100.
Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" is based on the song "It's A Hard Knock Life" from the Broadway play Annie.
"After Midnight" was written by the Oklahoma guitarist J.J. Cale, who was dirt poor until Eric Clapton recorded his song and turned it into a hit.
The Cure lead singer Robert Smith wrote "Lovesong" as a wedding present for his fiancée, Mary, shortly before their marriage. They met when he was 14; he says Mary helped him through many difficult periods and essentially saved his life.
The song "Grease," sung by Frankie Valli in the 1978 movie, was written by Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees.
Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.
The renown rock singer talks about "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."
The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.
You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.
How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?
Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?