"Dirty Water" became a Boston sports anthem in the '00s, but it was written by a guy from California after almost getting mugged on a visit to the city.
"The Long and Winding Road" was the last of The Beatles' 20 #1 hits in America. Written by Paul McCartney, he said it's a sad song about "the door you never quite reach."
Amy Winehouse really did refuse "Rehab." She said she drank because she was lovesick, and "you can't go into rehab for that."
The video for "Informer" by Snow that ran on MTV was subtitled so viewers could understand what he was saying.
The Fratellis song "Chelsea Dagger" was named for their lead singer's wife - it was her burlesque name.
Robert Plant's "Heaven Knows" is a satirical look at the '80s, when style seemed to trump substance.
Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.
Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.
The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.
The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.
For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.
"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.