The CCR song "Run Through the Jungle" is about gun control.
Neil Young later apologized for "Southern Man," calling it "accusatory and condescending" in its portrayal of the American South.
When Metallica performed in China in 2013, they weren't allowed to play "Master Of Puppets," probably because the theme of being controlled by a higher authority didn't sit well with the Chinese government.
The first single to simultaneously top the UK and US charts was The Everly Brothers' "Cathy's Clown" in May 1960.
Beck's "Where It's At" is a nod to the early years of hip-hop, when DJs would use two turntable to loop drum breaks, and a microphone to hype the crowd.
"One Way Or Another" is based on a stalker who creeped out Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry.
Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."
Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.
The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.
Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."
On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.
Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.