"London Calling" by The Clash was written amid widespread fears that the Thames River was going to flood the city.
The moans of pleasure in the Guns N' Roses song "Rocket Queen" are authentic.
"Hot n Cold" by Katy Perry is about a real guy - an ex who would seem really interested at times but would then just disappear.
"Paranoid" reflects a feeling Black Sabbath bass player Geezer Butler often felt after using drugs.
"Paper Planes" was inspired by M.I.A.'s hassles trying to get a visa to enter America.
In Belgium, where the Battle of Waterloo took place, "Waterloo" by ABBA was a huge hit, #1 for five weeks.
The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.
With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?
The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."
Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.
Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.
