Songs often sound similar. There’s a limited number of notes and chords, and a huge number of hit songs have been been built with the popular 1-5-6-4 chord progression. In the key of C, that’s C–G–A minor–F. It’s a phenomenon lovingly parodied by Aussie band Axis of Awesome in their marvellous Four Chord Song
Similar songs often end up in court, where judges and juries are asked to decide whether one writer has copied another. It’s sometimes impossible, and worse, it’s often ridiculous, and opportunistic. There’s only so many notes and chord progressions, so inevitably there’s going to be similarities. Could a writer sue another for using some of the same words?
Ed Sheeran is the latest to be sued, by the heirs of someone who wrote Marvin Gaye’s marvellous What’s Going On. The jury says Ed did not infringe.
Check out some of the most memorable musical copyright disputes here.
