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The song was inspired by the countdown to an emotional or physical reaction.

The song was inspired by a concert in West Berlin where balloons were released into the sky, prompting thoughts about the Cold War.

The song was inspired by the concept of learning about love and relationships through experience.

Written for the film "Against All Odds," the song was inspired by the movie's themes of lost love and regret.

The song was inspired by Richie's desire to create a fun, upbeat party anthem.

Written by Jules Shear, the song was inspired by the intensity of nighttime emotions.

Written for the film "Footloose," the song was inspired by the movie's romantic subplot.

Joel was inspired by his relationship with model Christie Brinkley and his return to a more innocent state of love.

The song was inspired by the band's observations of human behavior through an animal lens.

The song was inspired by the idea of love being an automatic, involuntary response.

The song was inspired by the desire for respect and good treatment in a relationship.

Bowie described the song as "a piece of sexist rock 'n roll" about a girl he admired.

The song explores the themes of love and relationships, inspired by Madonna's early experiences in the music industry.

Wilder wrote the song as a response to being dropped from his record label, expressing resilience and determination.

The song was inspired by the growing breakdancing culture of the early 1980s.

Ollie & Jerry was the duo of drummer Ollie E. Brown and bassist Jerry Knight, both Detroit musicians with connections to Raydio. Russ Regan approached them for the Breakin' soundtrack, leading to the 1984 recording...

Michael wrote the song at age 17, inspired by feelings of guilt over betraying someone in a relationship.

The song was inspired by Ocean's Caribbean roots and the desire to create a cross-cultural love story.

This compilation album was inspired by the band's desire to introduce their music to the American market.

Boy George was inspired by the idea of love as a form of intoxication.

The song was inspired by the need for protection and support in a harsh world.

The song was inspired by the group's experiences of a hot, oppressive summer in London.

A cover of Slade's 1973 hit, the song was inspired by the raw energy of rock concerts.

The song was inspired by nostalgia for youth and the simplicity of earlier times.

Springsteen wrote the song out of frustration when his manager asked for a hit single for the album "Born in the U.S.A."

Written for the "Footloose" soundtrack, the song was inspired by the movie's themes of dance and youthful energy.

The song was inspired by the idea of love as a cure for emotional ailments.

The song was inspired by the feeling of being unable to help someone who is struggling.

The song was inspired by the explosive nature of attraction and desire.

Written by Barry Gibb, the song was inspired by the intense emotions of a passionate relationship.

The song was inspired by the 1960 French horror film of the same name.

Written for the film of the same name, the song was inspired by the movie's theme of rebelling against authority through dance.

Written for the film of the same name, the song was inspired by the movie's comedic and supernatural themes.

Robert Hazard initially wrote the song from a male perspective. Lauper changed parts of the lyric and reinterpreted it as a statement about women having the same freedom to enjoy life as men. Rick Chertoff brought...

The song was inspired by the disco and funk sounds that made the band famous in the 1970s.

McVie was inspired by her feelings of being captivated by a new love interest.

The song was inspired by the difficulty of ending a long-term relationship.

The song was inspired by the overwhelming feelings of falling deeply in love.

Richie was inspired to write the song after a conversation with his producer about picking up women.

Annie Lennox was inspired by the frequent rainy weather in the UK and its effect on emotions.

Tom Bailey wrote the song about making up after an argument with his girlfriend.

Written for the film "Footloose" by Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford.

Written for the film "Footloose," the song was inspired by the concept of an ideal, heroic partner.

Madonna is a singer, songwriter and producer whose first single, Everybody, appeared in 1982. Her early albums connect dance rhythms with concise pop songs; later records range from the ballads of Bedtime Stories to...

The song was written for the film "Streets of Fire" and was inspired by the movie's themes of lost love and nostalgia.

Originally written by Prince in 1979, the song was reimagined by Chaka Khan with a more upbeat, funk-inspired arrangement.

The song was inspired by the feelings of longing and separation in long-distance relationships.

Written for the film "The Woman in Red," the song was inspired by the simple act of expressing love.

The song was inspired by the lingering feelings after a relationship ends.

The song was inspired by the band's desire to create a straightforward rock anthem.

Lewis wrote the song about finding a substitute for the high of being in love.

Mick Jones described writing the song late at night while reflecting on divorce, a new relationship and pressures within the band. He wanted the arrangement to convey a spiritual dimension; the New Jersey Mass Choir...

The song was inspired by the patience and dedication required in long-term relationships.

The song was inspired by the overwhelming feeling of falling in love.

The song was inspired by the excitement and anticipation of a new romantic relationship.

Peabo Bryson developed as a singer in South Carolina through work with Al Freeman and the Upsetters and Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. His own albums included Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds, while...

The song was inspired by the uncertainty and questioning often present in relationships.

Stewart was inspired by his own experiences with obsessive love and attraction.

Anderson was inspired by the concept of music without words, focusing on pure sound.

Written by the Bee Gees, the song was inspired by the idea of two people finding each other amidst life's chaos.

The song was inspired by the need for personal autonomy and self-expression.

This electro-funk song celebrates the joy of music and dancing.

The song was inspired by a real woman named Joanna who caught the eye of the band's lead singer.

The song was inspired by a TV news story about a man threatening to commit suicide by jumping off a building.

The Pointer Sisters developed their vocal training in their father's West Oakland church. Their 1973 debut began a recording career that moved across styles, including the country song Fairytale, written by Anita and...

The song was inspired by the band's experiences with fame and the idea of adapting to different situations.

The song was inspired by the band's desire to create a more accessible, pop-oriented sound.

The song was inspired by the band's appreciation for attractive women.

Shannon, born Brenda Shannon Greene, grew up in Washington, D.C., and Brooklyn before singing with the New York Jazz Ensemble while at college. A meeting with drummer Lenny White led to recording sessions and the...

Written for the film "Purple Rain," the song was inspired by Prince's spiritual beliefs and the idea of living life to the fullest.

Written for the film "Footloose," the song was inspired by the movie's themes of young love and teenage rebellion.

Billy Steinberg wrote the lyrics after leaving a difficult relationship and starting a new one. The title conveys emotional renewal rather than a literal claim about sexual experience. Tom Kelly supplied the musical...

The song was inspired by the band's experiences with femme fatales in the Los Angeles rock scene.

The song was inspired by the joy of finding true love after a long wait.

The song was inspired by the idea that relationships require struggle and perseverance.

The song was inspired by Springfield's experiences with fame and his desire for genuine connection.

The song was inspired by Madonna's ambition and her rising star in the music industry.

The song was inspired by the mysterious and inexplicable nature of attraction and love.

A continuation of the story from David Bowie's "Space Oddity," sung in both German and English versions.

A cover of Slade's 1972 hit, the song was inspired by the wild lifestyle of rock musicians.

The song was inspired by the complexities of romantic relationships in the 1980s.

The song was inspired by Boy George's complex relationships and the pain of unrequited love.

The song was written as a tribute to Marvin Gaye, who had been killed earlier that year.

Waite wrote the song about the end of his marriage and the feelings of loss that followed.

Bowie was inspired by the complexities of love in the modern age.

The song was inspired by nuclear fear and the band's concerns about the future.

The song was inspired by the fast-paced, high-energy lifestyle of the 1980s.

The song was inspired by the band's interest in mysticism and lunar cycles.

This posthumously released track was inspired by Lennon's observations of the strange and unexpected aspects of life.

Perry wrote the song about his then-girlfriend, Sherrie Swafford.

Written for the film "Eddie and the Cruisers," the song was inspired by the movie's fictional rock band.

Originally released in 1977, the song was inspired by Marley's vision of unity and peace.

The song reflects on the challenges of maintaining relationships in the fast-paced music industry.

The song was inspired by guitarist Trevor Rabin's personal experiences with loneliness and self-empowerment.

John Mellencamp is an Indiana singer and songwriter whose music connects garage rock with folk traditions and portraits of American life. His early records appeared under the John Cougar name. American Fool brought...

Idol was inspired by a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon he saw at a party with The Rolling Stones.

The song was inspired by the idea of recurring patterns in troubled relationships.

The song was inspired by Squier's experiences in the rock music scene and his desire to create a catchy, radio-friendly hit.

The song was inspired by the band's desire to create a powerful, high-energy rock anthem.

The song was inspired by the cyclical nature of relationships and life in the fast lane.

Adams wrote the song about infidelity and the excitement of a secret relationship.

The song was inspired by the excitement and energy of nightlife.

John was inspired by the therapeutic nature of sad songs and their ability to express deep emotions.

Daryl Hall and John Oates began their musical partnership in Philadelphia, meeting while Oates attended Temple University. Their shared recording work combines rock, soul and pop, with She's Gone representing an...

The second collaboration between the two pop icons.

Originally an Italian song, it was inspired by the struggle between desire and self-restraint in relationships.

Frey was inspired by the attractive women he encountered in his rock star lifestyle.

Lauper wrote the song as a playful, veiled reference to female masturbation.

The song was inspired by drummer Kelly Keagy's younger sister, Christy, and her coming of age.

The song was inspired by the strong, enduring relationship between Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.

Originally by The Persuaders, the song was inspired by the seeming unfairness of success and fortune.

The song was inspired by Rockwell's feelings of paranoia and the pressure of being Berry Gordy's son.

The collaboration was inspired by the desire to create a high-energy rock-funk fusion.

The song was inspired by the desire to prolong a romantic encounter.

The song was inspired by the feeling of being an outsider in an unfamiliar place.

Richie was inspired to write a country-flavored pop song, drawing from his Alabama roots.

The song was inspired by Japanese culture and cuisine, blending with the band's R&B style.

Sunglasses at Night was included on Corey Hart's 1983 debut First Offense. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame separates that release from the video's 1984 JUNO recognition and its later international exposure. This...

The song was inspired by the idea of revealing secrets while asleep.

The song was inspired by the frustration and finality of a failing relationship.

Mellencamp was inspired by his rebellious attitude towards authority figures.

Henley was inspired by the passing of youth and the end of an era in American culture.

Written by Prince, the song was inspired by the allure and pitfalls of a life of luxury and fame.

The song was inspired by the band's experiences touring different cities and their love for rock music.

Joel was inspired by his love for doo-wop music and his then-wife Christie Brinkley.

The song's abstract lyrics were inspired by the band's interest in creating ambiguous, interpretive pop music.

Boy George wrote the song as a statement against war and violence.

The song was inspired by the strength and resilience of women in relationships.

The song was inspired by William S. Burroughs' novel of the same name and its post-apocalyptic themes.

Originally by Kirsty MacColl, the song was inspired by a secret love affair.

Christopher Cross is a singer, songwriter and guitarist whose self-titled debut and Sailing brought wide recognition. His early Grammy honors covered album, song, record and new artist categories. His later work...

The album was inspired by Rogers' desire to explore different musical styles and themes.

The song was inspired by Jackson's love for horror movies and desire to create a fun, scary song.

Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman drew on difficulties in their respective relationships while writing together at the piano. Lauper borrowed the title from a television listing for the science-fiction film Time After Time,...

DeBarge was a sibling recording group with Michigan roots, distinct from the related band Switch. El, Bunny and their brothers developed songs together, with El arranging much of the music. Early Motown albums...

The song was inspired by the idea of honoring past relationships and personal growth.

The song was inspired by the anticipation and excitement of a romantic evening.

Written for the film "Two of a Kind," the song was inspired by the movie's themes of chance and destiny.

Mick Jagger was inspired by political unrest in Central and South America.

The song was inspired by Carl Jung's writings on the collective unconscious.

Inspired by Joel's relationship with model Christie Brinkley, whom he later married.

Lennon was inspired by his experiences at Valotte, a chateau in France where he wrote many songs.

George Michael was inspired to write the song after a note left by his bandmate Andrew Ridgeley for his mother.

The song was inspired by the band's rebellious attitude and desire to stand up against authority.

The song was originally written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle and was inspired by the concept of love as a second-hand emotion.

When Doves Cry is part of Prince's 1984 Purple Rain album and the film-centered release that brought his music to a much wider audience. The Prince Estate places the song's video within that breakthrough. This...

The song was inspired by the power of imagination and dreams.

Sting was inspired by the dynamics of power in relationships, drawing from mythology and literature.

The song was inspired by the concept of spiritual presence and support.

The song was inspired by the sometimes irrational thoughts and behaviors associated with falling in love.