"Veronica" was inspired by Elvis Costello's grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
"True" by Spandau Ballet is about chief songwriter Gary Kemp's unrequited love for Altered Images singer and Gregory's Girl star Clare Grogan.
"November Rain" by Guns N' Roses has a literary influence: The lyric is based on a story called Without You by Del James.
Lucinda Williams' track "Compassion" is based on a poem by her father, lauded Arkansas poet Miller Williams.
Neil Young later apologized for "Southern Man," calling it "accusatory and condescending" in its portrayal of the American South.
Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" was the best-selling song of the 2000s in the US.
An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.
Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.
Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.
Webb talks about his classic songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park."
The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."