Mike Nesmith wrote Linda Ronstadt's first hit, "Different Drum," before he joined The Monkees. He played an intentionally bad version of it on the show.
Carly Simon wrote "Anticipation" when Cat Stevens was late for their first date. She was "anticipating" his arrival and set down with her guitar to calm her nerves.
Neil Young later apologized for "Southern Man," calling it "accusatory and condescending" in its portrayal of the American South.
No Doubt's hit "Don't Speak" is about Gwen Stefani's breakup with the band's bass player, Tony Kanal, after seven years together.
"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" was a huge hit from the movie Dirty Dancing. It was used in the climactic dance scene at the end, which was actually the first scene shot for the movie.
"Paper Planes" was inspired by M.I.A.'s hassles trying to get a visa to enter America.
The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.
'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.
Here is the church, here is the steeple - see if you can identify these lyrics that reference church.
JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.
Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.
With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.