E.Y. (Yip) Harburg talks about the challenges in writing songs for characters, specifically Og in "Finian's Rainbow". He also discusses the craftsmanship of lyric writing and reads from his book "Rhymes for the Irreverent". Music is heard throughout: "When I'm Not Near the Girl I Love" performed by David Wayne and "The Eagle and Me", performed by Dooley Wilson. Part 1 Music has been removed from this recording for copyright reasons.

Arlo Guthrie discusses his approach to songwriting and how storytelling in song writing has changed. He also talks about what it's like to become known for performing works written by others. Arlo Guthrie's music is played and discussed throughout the interview: "Manzanillo Bay", "Week on the Rag", "Buffalo Skinners", "City of New Orleans", "Darkest Hour", "Massachusetts", and "Last Train to Glory". Music has been removed for copyright reasons.