Britney Spears rips off lyrics?
Britney Spears rips off lyrics?
Let’s be clear: I think the answer is no, for a number of reasons. The web is alive with claims about Britney Spears “ripping off” song lyrics for her latest release, “Hold it Against Me”. The writers of “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me” by the Bellamy Brothers told The Daily Star: ‘Howard and I have no personal beef with Britney. She’s a talented gal. But professionally we feel completely ripped off”.
First of all: Who wrote it?
Writers for the song are credited as:
- Max Martin
- Lukasz Gottwald
- Bonnie McKee
No mention of Spears there. The track’s producers are Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Billboard. Stilll no Spears.
The writers sued the Bellamy Brothers for libel and defamation, but eventually setled after an apology. So the whole issue was something of a non-event.
The issue, of course, is the title. However, the Bellamy Brothers can’t even claim ownership of the line, as it was first used as a one-liner by the Marx Brothers. The song itself bears no resemblance to the Bellamy tune. So I’d also say, pass: The writers were entitled to use the title. If not, how many lawsuits would there be for “Because I Love you” or ” The Power of Love”? In fact, the Marx Brothers estate could have challenged the Bellamy Brothers years ago.
And poor old Britney, dragged through the press again for something she didn’t do.
Once a woman has given you her heart, you can never get rid of the rest of her.
altedy: euh, is that a comment or a line from a song? I think I’ll nick it anyway!
Michael