Why was Lucy in the sky?

Who was Johnny B. Goode? Meet the characters behind 12 famous songs

Credit: Mick Haupt

From Johnny B. Goode to Billie Jean, there are countless songs with names in the title. Many hits are built around real (or fictional) people, right there in the title. From classic rock ballads to catchy pop tunes, names have a way of sticking in our heads. Here are 12 famous songs that feature people’s names—and the stories behind them.

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We’ll start the list with one of the most classic and famous examples of a song that made a name famous.

This 1958 rock ‘n’ roll classic tells the story of a country boy with dreams of guitar stardom. While partially autobiographical, Chuck Berry drew inspiration from his pianist, Johnnie Johnson.

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Who was the Billie Jean Jackson sang about? Released in 1983, "Billie Jean" tells a haunting tale of a woman who falsely claims the singer fathered her child.

Though the name Billie Jean is fictional, the track was inspired by Jackson’s real experiences with obsessed fans. It helped cement his status as the King of Pop.

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This eerie ballad from Tom Waits’ 2002 album Alice recounts the tragic legend of Edward Mordake, a man said to have a second, sinister face on the back of his head.

With bleak instrumentation and haunting vocals, Waits creates a mood of gothic melancholy. "Poor Edward" is part of a larger suite of songs inspired by surreal tales and stage productions, both on Alice and on Blood Money, which was released at the same time..

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Nick Cave’s 1996 version of "Stagger Lee" is a violent, profane, and theatrical reimagining of a classic American folk tale. The song is based on the real-life 1895 murder committed by "Stag" Lee Shelton.

The story has been told in many forms, but Cave’s rendition stands out for its raw, menacing tone.

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Released in 2006, this acoustic ballad became a massive hit for the Plain White T’s. The song was written for Delilah DiCrescenzo, a college athlete whom the lead singer met just once.

Though they never dated, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and stripped-down style resonated widely. It’s a tender expression of long-distance longing and romantic idealism.

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In "Jolene", Dolly Parton pleads with a beautiful woman not to steal her man. The 1973 country hit is simple yet emotionally rich, showcasing Dolly’s storytelling ability and vocal strength.

The name Jolene was inspired by a young fan, while the song’s scenario was drawn from real-life jealousy. It remains one of the most covered songs in country music.

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"Roxanne", released in 1978, is about a man who falls for a sex worker and pleads with her to change her ways. Sting was inspired by the red-light district in Paris and the idea of romantic obsession.

With its reggae-influenced rhythm and unforgettable vocal delivery, the song became a defining moment for The Police and a staple of late-’70s rock.

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Eric Clapton wrote "Layla" in 1970 as a passionate, anguished declaration of love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison.

The song blends hard rock with a tender piano outro, capturing both emotional turmoil and yearning. "Layla" became one of Clapton’s signature tracks.

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Released in 1982, "Rosanna" was a huge hit for Toto and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. The song blends rock, jazz, and pop influences, with standout performances—especially the iconic shuffle rhythm on drums.

Though often linked to actress Rosanna Arquette, who was dating a band member at the time, the band says the name was mostly coincidental.

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This sing-along anthem was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, though Neil Diamond later admitted that the name fit the song more than it directly inspired the lyrics.

Released in 1969, the song has become a staple at sports events and celebrations. Its catchy chorus and feel-good vibe turned it into a massive hit.

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This haunting Beatles song from 1966 tells the story of a lonely woman whose name was found on a gravestone. With its string arrangement and somber tone, it marked a shift from the band’s earlier pop sound to more mature, introspective themes.

"Eleanor Rigby" is a poignant look at isolation and anonymity in modern life, all wrapped into just over two minutes.

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"Daniel" is a touching ballad about a war veteran seeking peace away from the spotlight. Released in 1973, the lyrics—written by Bernie Taupin—capture the sorrow of a younger brother watching his hero leave.

Elton John’s gentle vocals and the song’s soft melody made it a fan favorite, even though its full story is often misunderstood due to a missing final verse.

Woof, woof!

Do you speak dog? 12 words for communicating with your pet

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All creatures have a language of their own, and dogs are certainly no exception. But, over all the years humans and dogs have kept each other company, an undeniable communication has been established between the two. If you are a dog owner or are about to become one, take a look at the following 12 short and easy commands that almost any dog will pick up in no time!

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Probably the most the most important command any dog must learn, "stay" will come in handy daily.

To teach it, have your dog start by sitting. Then slowly back away. If your pet moves toward you, say "no" (more on this one later) and have them sit. When they stop, say "stay."

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An equally important word for children and dogs alike, "no" will keep your pet out of trouble. Use this command in any instance where you can see your dog doing something wrong.

To teach this, have your dog on a leash and place a treat on the floor. Walk your dog towards the treat and once they sniff it, say "no", while slightly pulling the leash towards you.

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Another classic dog word, "sit" can be used daily to keep your pet at bay when especially good behavior is needed.

Teach your dog to "sit" by holding a treat in your fist and putting it above your dog’s head. Slowly move it behind their head and when they crouch, say "sit" and reward them with the treat.

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This command is particularly useful if your dog gets a little too excited. Hold a treat in front of your pet and wait for them to smell it. Once they do, bring the treat down to the floor, and your dog will eventually follow. When their belly is on the floor, say "down" and give them the treat.

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Quite similar to the aforementioned "stay" but particularly useful for those times when guests arrive at your door and your pet gets too excited and jumps over the newcomers.

To teach "wait" to your dog, have somebody stand outside your door and call. When you open the door and see that your pet starts moving towards it, say "wait", while the person outside closes the door.

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If you are not one to allow your pet on the sofa or worse, the bed, "off" can be a useful command. While in an area with furniture, hold a treat in a fist and put it in front of your dog’s nose. They will try to get it, but keep your fist closed. When your pet eventually backs down, say "off" and give them the treat.

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Every dog owner has been in a situation where her or his pet has picked up something against the owner’s wishes. The command "drop it" helps prevent your dog from hurting themselves and your valuables.

To teach it, you’ll need two identical dog toys. Give your dog one and let them play with it. Then, call them over and hold up the new toy. Say "drop it" and give them the new toy once they drop the other.

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More often than not, kids and dogs need to be told when to go to bed. To teach your dog this simple command, put them on a leash and lead them to wherever their bed is. Once you get your dog in his or her bed, say the word "bed".

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Leashes are usually associated with going for a walk, therefore, this command will be quickly understood by your pet. Teach your dog how to get over the leash if he or she is tangled in it by wrapping it around the front paw, then slowly make the loop larger and pull it towards you. Your dog will lift their paw and when the leash comes off, give them a leash and say "leash".

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A command like "quiet" can be useful if your pet is barking excessively and being obtrusive.

You can teach "quiet" when your pet is barking by saying the word very loudly, over your dog’s bark. When your dog stops barking, give her or him a treat.

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Most dogs love getting into a car but just in case yours isn’t one of those, take her or him outside with a leash and have the trunk or door of your car easily accessible. Then, place a treat inside the desired sitting area and say "car." Your pet should jump right in and, after a few tries, understand when it’s time to go for a ride.

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Pups break stuff by treating it too roughly or biting too hard. If you see this kind of behavior, just say the word "gentle" firmly, while showing your pet your open palm towards her or him. Once they stop, caress your pet lightly, so as to imitate the soft approach you expect them to have towards the element that is being destroyed.