925. 1812 Overture by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky (1880)

Americans might believe the 1812 Overture is about Andrew Jackson at New Orleans. However, it's another historical conflict which serves as the backdrop. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 and captured Moscow. However, the Tsarist forces refused to be lulled into battle and torched the countryside and city to deny the French supplies. With winter fast approaching, the French emperor abandoned Moscow and made the long trek back to Paris. The French suffered over 90% casualties during the invasion and retreat. Only 30-40,000 of Napoleon's original force of 500,000 escaped. Tchaikovsky's work is famous for its use of canon and has become a pop culture sensation in its own right.

Parts 1 and 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgOGl_OWOqg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW4C2h3lPac&feature=related

926. Monday Morning by Fleetwood Mac (1975)

Lindsey Buckingham's character is being drive crazy by a lover that can't decide if she loves him or wants out. The song is pretty upbeat for someone losing his mind.

Live Version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wce-6-66UYA

Studio Version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV8k9JQ_OWI

927. Someday Never Comes by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1972)

John Fogerty writes from the point of view of a young child. His father goes away and explains that someday he will understand. Well, someday never comes. The song is autobiographical as Fogerty is writing about his experiences during his parents divorce. I always thought it was about a soldier going off to Vietnam and having to say goodbye to his 4 year old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwNuQulK6N0

928. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da by the Police (1980)

Sting was curious about why people were attracted to simple songs such as "Da Doo Ron Run" and "Do Wah Diddy," so he wrote one himself. Despite the title, this song is far from simple. Sting calls this "An articulate song about being inarticulate." It's about word manipulation by politicians and others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2GDbEmjGE&ob=av3e

929. Wild Boys by Duran Duran (1984)

"Wild Boys" was inspired by the 1971 novel The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead. Duran Duran's video director suggested the band create a soundtrack for the book and Simon Le Bon took it from there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M43wsiNBwmo&ob=av2n

930. O Fortuna by Carl Orff (1936)

German composer Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" has become a staple of western popular culture. It's been used in Excalibur, Detroit Rock City, and The Doors. The New England Patriots and Milwaukee Brewers have incorporated it into their games. Orff himself was a Nazi favorite. However, he also had ties to the resistance movement. The true level of Orff's complicity with or opposition to Nazi Germany is a matter of great debate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDsffEtoF9A

931. As Tears Go By by Marianne Faithfull (1964)

It is a myth that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote "As Tears Go By" as a response to Paul McCartney's "Yesterday." However, this is one of Jagger-Richards first original songs as the Rolling Stones branched out from a blues cover band. Marianne Faithfull scored a major hit with the song in 1964. The Stones manager forwarded the song to her since they weren't known for ballads. Following Faithfull's success, the Rolling Stones recorded their own version in 1965.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhPPJ5dolxU&feature=related