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Inspired by the multiple roles a partner can play in a relationship.

Inspired by the idea of dedicating all one's love to a single person.

Don Everly wrote the song, reportedly inspired by a girl he dated in high school named Cathy.

Cooke was inspired to write the song after encountering a chain gang of prisoners working on a highway while on tour.

Inspired by the idea of a man being unfaithful or "dogging around."

Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell wrote the song decades before Ray Charles recorded it for The Genius Hits the Road in 1960. Accounts of the original title's inspiration differ: a frequently repeated family...

Written by Dub Albritton and Ronnie Self, the song was inspired by teenage heartbreak and regret.

Based on the Italian song "O Sole Mio," Elvis's version was inspired by Tony Martin's 1949 rendition called "There's No Tomorrow."

Originally a French song "Je t'appartiens," the English version was inspired by the theme of eternal love.

The song was inspired by the romantic atmosphere of nighttime and the passion it can inspire.

Orbison and co-writer Joe Melson were inspired by Orbison's own feelings of loneliness and heartbreak.

Inspired by the pain of watching a once-strong relationship fall apart.

Written by Ronnie Self, the song was inspired by flirtatious teenage conversations.

Inspired by the power of sweet talk in romance.

Inspired by Fender's own experiences with heartbreak and regret.

Co-written by Cooke, Lou Adler, and Herb Alpert, the song was inspired by the simple joys of young love.

A 1926 song about missing a former love

Orbison's personal experiences with heartbreak

The idea of Cupid as a matchmaker

Calling someone foolish in matters of love

Meeting a new love interest

The idea of leaving a bad relationship

Promise of loyalty in a relationship

The consequences of drinking too much

The fear of losing a loved one

The lifestyle of a globetrotting lover

A plea for a lover to return

Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio wrote the song after watching the movie "Tennessee Partner."

Written by Joe Seneca and Diane Lampert, showcasing Lee's emotive vocal style.

Sedaka and Howard Greenfield wrote the song based on Sedaka's high school experiences.

Written by Cooke himself, the song became one of his most enduring hits.

Elvis Presley's early records brought country, blues, gospel, R&B and pop into a new rock-and-roll setting during the 1950s. His singing and physical stage style helped carry that mixture to a large audience. His...

Written by Cindy Walker, the song showcased Orbison's unique vocal style.

Written by Don Gibson in 1957, Charles' version was inspired by his desire to create a country-soul crossover hit.

Written by King and Gerry Goffin, it was King's debut as a performer.

Written by Nelson and Jerry Fuller, showcasing Nelson's maturing style.

One of the earliest Lennon-McCartney compositions, written when they were teenagers.

Written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell for the film "Girls! Girls! Girls!"

Bob Gaudio wrote the song in 15 minutes before a group rehearsal.

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, the song helped launch the surf music craze.

Written by Jack Lewis, the song reflected Nelson's experiences as a young star.

Cooke wrote the song to capitalize on the twist dance craze.

A soulful cover of the 1939 country standard, originally recorded by Jimmie Davis.

Written by Cindy Walker and Eddy Arnold in 1955, Charles' version became the most famous.

Written by Jerry Fuller, the song reflected the optimism of youth in the early 1960s.

Sam Cooke grew up in Chicago after his family moved from Mississippi, and his early singing developed in gospel groups, including the Soul Stirrers. You Send Me brought him major solo success in 1957, followed by a...

The song encouraged listeners to dance and exercise.

Written by Harlan Howard, the song depicted the struggles of being broke and in debt.

The song compared a sweet girlfriend to various candies.

The hit comes from the live performance released on The 12 Year Old Genius. Its onstage energy, rather than a conventional studio ballad arrangement, was central to the young performer's breakthrough.