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Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N’ Roses

Image: Kyle Buss

Fans of Guns N’ Roses will tell you how fast "Sweet Child O’ Mine" was written. In under an hour, the band developed the accompaniment for a melody one of them had come up with—a hand-warming riff that guitarist Slash was playfully improvising. That same riff, by-now famous guitar melody, opens the song.

Hearing the result, Axl Rose wrote lyrics inspired by his then-girlfriend, Erin Everly, whose smile, it seemed to him, reminded him of childhood memories. Remarkably, he completed the poem in a single day. Later, while recording in the studio, the band made another on-the-spot call: they decided to include a sung line that Axl Rose had been repeating while searching for an ending to the song, "Where do we go now?"

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Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Image: Call Me Fred

Michael Jackson didn’t shy away from saying that he always knew "Billie Jean" was going to be a hit. While writing it, he was aware that he had hit material in his hands, and he worked on it accordingly. Thanks to his rigorous daily vocal training during the production of Thriller , Jackson recorded the main vocal in a single take. The song was mixed 91 times , while he and producer Quincy Jones strived for perfection. In the end, they settled on mix number two—the version we know today.

But here is the most impressive anecdote behind "Billie Jean." Jackson was driving his Rolls-Royce between recording sessions, obsessed with finding the best ideas for his song. He was so absorbed that he didn’t notice the underside of his car had caught fire —until a passing biker alerted him.

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You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi

Image: Benjamin Farren

Can you imagine the iconic opening vocals of "You Give Love a Bad Name" belted out by any other voice than Jon Bon Jovi’s? A female voice, perhaps? Surprisingly, the melody was originally written by hitmaker Desmond Child for Bonnie Tyler . Her version, titled "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)," featured different lyrics, and was released earlier that same year in 1986.

Dissatisfied with the final result of Tyler’s song, Child decided to take the same seed of an anthem and team up with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora to rework it. The result was a powerhouse anthem that propelled Bon Jovi to the top of the charts. It also marked a radical change in the band’s career, which veered from then on to a more radio-friendly, arena-rock sound that would define their style.

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Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey

Image: Kristina Chuprina

If you strip this '80s rock anthem of its drums, bass, guitar, and even its melody, you’re left with a simple yet powerful plea: "Don’t stop believing." Those words have a heartfelt origin. When Jonathan Cain was invited to join Journey, he started working on a song, first deciding that he was going to name it after the words his father would repeat to him over the phone while he was still a struggling musician in L.A.: "Don’t stop believing or you are done , dude."

Cain wrote the emotional chorus first before sharing the project with the band to complete it together. That’s why it’s said that the song was written "backward ." The arrangements were carefully crafted to build up to the climactic final chorus. If you pay attention, this one doesn’t appear until near the end of the song—a structure that sets it apart.

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We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel

Image: David Clode

119 significant events are mentioned in the famous 1989 song by "Piano Man" Billy Joel. A rapid-fire history lesson, covering science, sports, music, politics, cultural icons, movies, and so many more, is uttered to assemble an image of the 40 years the artist had lived until then—from 1949 to 1989. The story of how he stumbled upon the idea for this musical whirlwind is just as fascinating.

Legend has it that Joel was in the studio one day when Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son , visited with a young friend. The 20-year-old started complaining about the hardships of growing up in the ‘80s, and Joel replied that the ‘60s weren’t exactly easy either. This sparked a discussion where each mentioned world-relevant events they had lived through. Inspired, Joel jotted down the events and began piecing them together, eventually crafting the iconic song.

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I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton

Image: Wes McFee

"I Will Always Love You," immortalized by Whitney Houston ’s rendition for The Bodyguard (1992), was actually written 18 years earlier by Dolly Parton. Although it became a romantic power ballad in the voice of Houston, the original version hadn’t been written with romance or heartbreak in mind—it was a heartfelt farewell.

In 1972, after having become a performing regular in The Porter Wagoner Show , Dolly Parton decided it was time to leave and pursue her own path. Her deep appreciation for Wagoner and her love for her colleague drove her to write a sweet, sincere song to express her feelings. Explaining that, despite needing to move on, and regardless of where life took her, she would always love him. Touched by the song, Wagoner loved it and asked to produce it himself.

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Maniac - Michael Sembello

Image: David Monje

"Maniac," made famous for its inclusion in the Flashdance (1983) soundtrack, is another example of a song that started with a very different theme. Its original name was still "Maniac," yes. But it wasn’t originally about a passionate dancer—it was about a serial killer.

Dennis Matkosky, the song’s author, had seen in the news a story about a psychotic criminal and conjured in his mind a song that warned of his deeds . Together with his friend Michael Sembello, they finished that version for their own amusement. The demo ended up being one of the songs used in the set of Flashdance for being upbeat, catchy, and danceable. Director Adrian Lyne grew so fond of it that he asked Matkosky and Sembello to rewrite the lyrics to better suit the film. The reworked song became a global hit, reaching the top 10 of pop charts in multiple countries that year.

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Shout - The Isley Brothers

Image: Brett Sayles

If hearing the song "Shout" by The Isley Brothers makes you think of a festive event where a band interacts with a dancing audience, it means the song retained its original spirit. The iconic phrase "Jump up and shout now" was part of a series of playful instructions the band improvised during a live performance. At the time, they were covering "Lonely Teardrops," a Jackie Wilson hit, and went off on a tangent building on the climax of that song.

The band began shouting ad-libbed lines , encouraging the crowd to participate. That responsorial dynamic became the foundation of "Shout," and evolved further through subsequent performances. Once the song was written down and recorded, it became a timeless classic. Today, this 1959 hit remains a staple at celebrations around the world.

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You’re So Vain - Carly Simon

Image: Dinielle De Veyra

A song with the famous line "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you," has sparked decades of speculation about who inspired it. Mick Jagger, James Taylor, and Warren Beatty were all rumored to be the subject behind Carly Simon’s famous song. The singer and songwriter delighted in keeping the identity of any precise man a secret, and at some point declared that it had been written about a type of man in general.

However, in 2003, for a charity auction organized by Martha's Vineyard Possible Dreams organization, Simon decided to offer one big treasure to the highest bidder: The truth behind the song. Her friend Dick Ebersol paid $50,000 for the revelation. Under sworn secrecy, Simon revealed the person to Ebersol. He kept the secret, only telling the public that he found the answer "very surprising."

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Walk the Line - Johnny Cash

Image: Simon Migaj

"I Walk the Line" was Johnny Cash's declaration of commitment and faithfulness, a song written for his first wife, Vivian Liberto. As he prepared to embark on long tours, Cash penned this song as a vow to assure her that he would remain true to her.

Beyond the inspiration for the lyrics, the song showed an array of singularities that made it stand out back in 1956. For example, each iteration of a verse is sung in a different key, a unique technique that can be heard in the gradual shifts of Cash’s voice. The low hum before each verse is Cash’s preparation for singing in each corresponding key. He also innovated by attaching a piece of paper to his guitar’s end which he would hit while playing, simulating the sound of a snare drum that can be heard in the song.

1

"The Chairman of the Board" – Frank Sinatra

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra co-founded Reprise Records in 1960, giving him full creative control over his music. The nickname "Chairman of the Board" was first used by radio host William B. Williams and quickly caught on. Although Sinatra didn’t particularly love it, the nickname came to symbolize his power and influence in the music industry.

2

"His Accidency" – John Tyler

Image: Library of Congress

The 10th U.S. president earned this snarky nickname after unexpectedly taking office in 1841, when William Henry Harrison died just one month into his term.

It was the first time a vice president had assumed the presidency due to a president’s death, and many questioned the legitimacy of his authority. His critics called him "His Accidency," a somewhat unfriendly pun that stuck.

3

"The Sphinx of the Potomac" – Calvin Coolidge

Image: Lea Kobal

President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge was notoriously silent and stoic. His reluctance to speak in public and his poker-faced demeanor earned him the nickname "The Sphinx of the Potomac," a nod to the famous Egyptian statue and his Washington, D.C. post. One oft-repeated anecdote claims he once remarked, "I have nothing to say."

4

"The Boss" – Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Bruce Springsteen earned this nickname in the early days of playing Jersey Shore clubs, where he was responsible for collecting and distributing gig money to his band. Originally an internal nickname within the group, it quickly caught on with the media. Ironically, Springsteen has admitted that he’s never really liked being called "The Boss."

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"The Mad Stork" – Ted Hendricks

Image: Wynand Uys

This Hall of Fame linebacker for the Raiders stood 6’7" and had a long, lanky build. His towering figure and unpredictable style of play earned him the nickname "The Mad Stork." Despite the unusual moniker, he was a feared and legendary player in the NFL.

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"The Snake" – Ken Stabler

Image: Timothy Dykes

Another Raiders legend, quarterback Ken Stabler, earned the nickname "The Snake" from his college coach after a long, twisting touchdown run. The name stuck because he became known for his slippery, cool-headed play under pressure.

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"Jane the Grabber" – Hester Jane Haskins

Image: sombre

A dark figure in 19th-century New York, Hester Jane Haskins was a "procuress," luring women with promises of work and then forcing them into brothels. Her nickname, "Jane the Grabber," became infamous in the press.

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"The Black Swallow of Death" – Eugene Bullard

Image: Heather Wilde

Born in Georgia and later a French WWI pilot, Eugene Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He earned the nickname "The Black Swallow of Death" for his fearless flying and deadly accuracy. Despite his heroism, he still faced racial discrimination upon returning to the U.S.

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"Little Miss Sure Shot" – Annie Oakley

Image: Jp Valery

Annie Oakley was a folk heroine and a famed sharpshooter from an early age. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Sure Shot" from the Native American leader Sitting Bull, who bestowed it after watching her flawless shooting in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

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"Kid Gloves" – Benjamin Harrison

Image: Aaron Lefler

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, frequently wore soft kid-leather gloves in public due to hand ailments. Political opponents seized the opportunity to mock his stiff demeanor and perceived elitism, dubbing him "Kid Gloves." The nickname pointed not only to his physical appearance but also to his aloof attitude.

1

Alabama - Driving Regulations

Image: Ed 259

We have all tried to ride a bike with no hands when we were kids. You probably got to the point of taking the challenge one step further and driving with no hands on an empty road. Now, driving blindfolded is a bit extreme, right?

Alabama has a law that forbids drivers from driving blindfolded and that is not all, drivers aren’t allowed to drive if they can’t see what’s to the sides or in front of them. Now, if the law exists, that must mean it was needed at some point, right?

2

Louisiana - Pizza Party

Image: Kelvin T

Sending gifts is a great way to say "I love you" or "I’m sorry." Whatever the situation, we’ve seen it a million times: a knock on the door, a pizza delivery guy handing a pizza box, and a cheesy, but loving message as a topping: "I love you."

Well, if those were your plans but you live in Louisiana, you might as well think twice before you do it. This state has a law that forbids inhabitants from sending unsolicited pizza, no matter how considerate this gesture might be. If you do, be ready to pay a $500 fine. How much is your love worth?

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Virginia - Halloween Arrangement

Image: Szabó János

All across America, when October comes, millions of people get their costumes ready for the spookiest night of the year. And we are not talking only children here. How many Adults-only Halloween parties have you been to?

However, the Halloween fun is limited in Chesapeake City, Virginia. Dress up all you want and party all night long, but don’t you dare go trick-or-treating alone if you are over 14 . Not because you might get haunted by ghosts, but because the law forbids you. And for the under-14s you know, let them know they have to be home by 8 pm according to the curfew. Quite a bummer, huh?

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South Caroline - Pinball Limitations

Image: Senad Palic

Ah, to be young and play games again, right? The possibilities were endless, board games, card games, pinball… Well, not anymore, not for everyone, at least!

In South Carolina, pinball is forbidden for people over 18 years of age. And it has nothing to do with maturity, it is not that they don’t allow the fun in adults. The reason behind this regulation has to do with the fact that the game is considered addictive and dangerous for some reason we can’t figure out! Can you imagine what it is? If this sounds bizarre, wait until you read the next one!

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Vermont - Permission to Get Teeth Done

Image: engin akyurt

Now, this is where America gets a bit bizarre. For a very long time, women have needed men’s permission to get all sorts of things done around the house and about their health. But as we said, society has changed and America has adapted to those improvements.

Surprising as it may be, Vermont has a law that requires women to ask for their husband’s permission before they get false teeth. You heard that right!

It must have been a surprise for the government itself as it is a law that is not enforced anymore, but it still hasn’t been overturned!

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Kentucky - Marriage restrictions

Image: Samantha Gades

Speaking of husbands and wives, Kentucky must have seen the weirdest things when it came to marriages. That is fair, relationships are a complex business.

You fall in love and you get married. You fall out of love and you get a divorce. But love, funny thing, huh? You might fall back in love and want to get married again to the same person. Well, that is about it in Kentucky.

The state’s legislators have limited marriage so that no man can marry the same woman more than three times . This is just bizarre, even if you were allowed to do so, why would you? Right?

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Oregon - Cemeteries Are Off the Limits

Image: Sandy Millar

Hunting is a very much praised activity in the United States. However, for different reasons, such as animal protection or nature conservation, some aspects of the hobby have been banned across the country.

In the state of Oregon, for example, you cannot hunt within the limits of a cemetery. Now, this sounds just about right, doesn’t it? After all, it is sacred soil. Well, as morally obvious as this may sound, the case of a specific hunter carrying his business in a cemetery led legislators to forbid the activity. Wait for it, this is nothing compared to the last prohibition!

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Ohio - Mind Your Gas

Image: Juan Fernandez

Driving can be quite soothing, although it requires a high level of attention. You must check your tires, turn the lights on, and place the mirrors in the right position. And of course, you have to get the tank full before anything else.

Even if it seems quite unlikely that anyone would run out of gas intentionally, Youngstown, Ohio has a law that forbids drivers from running out of gas. If this happens, it is considered a misdemeanor offense. Running out of gas in the middle of your driving is bad enough, add a ticket to it!

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Indiana - Horses Are Just Horses

Image: Holly Mandarich

Even if these majestic animals were used for transportation for a very long time , we can all agree that they have served their purpose and now is time to let them be. Well, Indiana must have been a place where this wasn’t the case until a law forbidding horse racing was passed.

The law actually says that horse-based travels are not allowed to run over 100mph . Even if the reasons are not so clear, one can only assume this was a nuisance for the inhabitants of the state.

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Arizona - Donkeys Belong Elsewhere

Image: Erwan Hesry

This article comes to an end with what is, probably, the weirdest law of them all and it involves bathtubs and donkeys . Just saying it sounds bizarre.

Back in the 1920s, a very much-pampered donkey sleeping in a bathtub caused a home to flood. Don’t worry! The animal made it, although it didn’t quite notice as it was asleep the whole time.

Now, as a consequence, Arizona still has a law that forbids donkeys from sleeping in a bathtub in an attempt to avoid such an occurrence repeating itself! You better go buy a proper bed for your donkey now!