While writing the popular 1990s song Friday I’m in Love, The Cure frontman Robert Smith became convinced that he stole the tune from somewhere, and was so paranoid that he called every person he knew and played the song for them, asking if they recognized it. It was, indeed, unique.
songs
The YMCA sued the Village People…
The YMCA sued the Village People over their “YMCA” song for trademark infringement, but the two sides settled out of court and the YMCA later expressed pride towards the band for their song as a salute their organization.
The 2000 hit “Who Let The…
The 2000 hit “Who Let The Dogs Out” by the Baha Men was a cover of a ’98 song “Doggies” by Anslem Douglas, which was informed by a ’94 techno hit by Twenty Fingers, which was taken from a ’92 hit by Miami Boom, which likely was inspired by a ’86 TX highschool football chant.
Carl Sagan’s team wanted to include…
Carl Sagan’s team wanted to include the Beatles song “Here Comes the Sun” on the Voyager Golden Records (discs containing greetings in 60 languages, music and sounds from Earth aboard both Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977), but the record company EMI, which held the copyrights, declined.
In 1942 the song “Deep in the Heart…
In 1942 the song “Deep in the Heart of Texas” was banned by BBC during working hours on the grounds that its infectious melody might cause wartime factory-hands to neglect their tools while they clapped in time with the song.
Good Vibrations by The Beac…
Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys was one of the most expensive songs in history. “The cost of recording was phenomenal: between $50,000 and $75,000.” It had used up 90 hours of tape from 17 separate recording dates with LA’s top sessioneer’s for the 3min 36secs song.
“Losing my religion” is an old…
“Losing my religion” is an old phrase from the Southern USA meaning someone’s about to lose their temper or reach the end of their rope.
“Kulning” is a Norwegian song…
“Kulning” is a Norwegian song using high-pitched vocal techniques to call cows in from the pastures.
“Hit Me Baby One More Time” was…
“Hit Me Baby One More Time” was written by a Swede who meant the chorus to mean “hit me up on the phone one more time” but mistranslated it.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police…
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police is supposed to be about someone obsessed with a lost lover, and who stalks them. Sting, who wrote it, is troubled by how many people think it is a love song.