"Louie Louie" was first recorded in 1955 by an R&B singer named Richard Berry, and his lyrics are easy to understand. When The Kingsmen recorded the hit version, their lyrics were indecipherable.
We were all party rocking in 2011 with the global smash "Party Rock Anthem," but rap fans know the "Everyday I'm shufflin'" line is a take on "Everyday I'm hustlin'" from the 2006 Rick Ross track "Hustlin'."
Props to Aretha Franklin: her song "Respect" introduced the term "propers" as a sign of proper respect.
Moby says that "We Are All Made Of Stars" is scientifically accurate, since all matter originates from stardust.
Tom Cochrane wrote "Life Is A Highway" to pull himself out of a funk following an exhausting humanitarian trip to Africa.
Wang Chung's '80s classic "Dance Hall Days" is about how things can start simple but end up complex. First you "take your baby by the hand," but by the end she has an amethyst in her mouth.
Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.
The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."
On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.
The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.
After studying in Paris with a famous composition teacher, Charles became the most successful writer of TV theme songs.
Waters tells the "Gypsy Woman" story, shares some of her songwriting insights, and explains how Dennis Rodman ended up on one of her songs.