Jimmy Webb was inspired to write The 5th Dimension song "Up-Up and Away" after seeing a hot-air balloon his friend flew on promotions for the Southern California radio station KMEN.
Pink Floyd's "Talkin' Hawkin'" uses a sample of Stephen Hawking's synthesized voice taken from a speech he made for a 1994 British Telecom commercial.
The first time Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones all recorded together in the studio was when they backed American singer PJ Proby on his 1969 album Three Week Hero.
Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A." was inspired by the book (later a movie) Born On The Fourth Of July by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran who protested the war when he returned home.
The song "Knock On Wood" was confusing to UK listeners because the saying there is "Touch Wood."
Pink wrote "Just Give Me A Reason" about how one partner can feel jilted over something trivial, like how her boyfriend passes her the butter.
"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.
The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.
In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.
You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?
Dean's saga began with "Ariel," a song about falling in love with a Jewish girl from New Jersey.
The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.