Read about this awhile ago. Matt Nathanson rocks.

Originally Posted by ALK3ADDICT

The only song I known him for is the American Pie song "Laid" that was originally by James.
I think those words are very hard to copyright because they are so unimaginative and anyone could ithink them up, I'm pretty sure if Taylor was going to rip someone off it would be someone decent and people have actually heard of and something worth ripping off. She could afford to use any lyrics also when she covered that "Untouchable"song she made it better than the original.

Do yourself a favor and listen to his albums.

At least Matt Nathanson is a legitimately known musician and not one of these random unknown "songwriters" that appear out of nowhere 2 years later claiming someone much more famous and well known stole a 3 note melody from a song they recorded in their parents basement.

Originally Posted by Kurt Retenauer

But in all honesty this is probably also partially strategic on his part. He probably doesn't want money, just for her to mention him or admit it was homage, or at least rebut somehow just to get his name out there more. Just seems like he wants her to mention him for exposure or at least to gain more exposure from the inevitable articles.

That said I still think it was an honest mistake. Or homage.

Right. The issue here isn't with the lyric copying in. Reusing lyrics has a long and great tradition in music -- but he deserves some name recognition. If he is looking for monetary compensation, its a little douchey. But if Taylor is claiming she didn't lift the lyric I can understand why the guy is upset.

Can you actually sue over one line?

what a joke

smh

pathetic

Some of you people in this thread are misinformed and ridiculous. Matt Nathanson is a very well known artist, and a very accomplished writer. Sure he's nowhere near as famous as Taylor Swift, but he's also not a sexy beauty queen with millions of dollars promoting him. That being said, I would still marry Taylor Swift like 8 times.

Originally Posted by CluckyB

Right. The issue here isn't with the lyric copying in. Reusing lyrics has a long and great tradition in music -- but he deserves some name recognition. If he is looking for monetary compensation, its a little douchey. But if Taylor is claiming she didn't lift the lyric I can understand why the guy is upset.

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Originally Posted by JayBee420

Some of you people in this thread are misinformed and ridiculous. Matt Nathanson is a very well known artist, and a very accomplished writer. Sure he's nowhere near as famous as Taylor Swift, but he's also not a sexy beauty queen with millions of dollars promoting him. That being said, I would still marry Taylor Swift like 8 times.

that's not the problem here. he can be famous, and even be an awesome musician, but getting worked up over one line in a song?

were the melodies the same too? pop music recycles both lyrics and melodies continuously over time but no one cares then, even with recycled lyrics, a pop song can still be great.

Originally Posted by duritzfan13

Can you actually sue over one line?

C'mon! Sometimes 1 line MAKES the entire song. examples... "For those about to rock, we salute you." "Du, du hast, du hast mich."

that's a pretty famous Matt lyric. As someone who writes songs (not that I consider myself a Matt or Taylor) I can see where some lines in songs can mix and match, but that's pretty obvious.

The only reason why people are saying it's not a big deal is because it's not "the hook"

Nathanson > Swift.

And it's not close. If you haven't checked him out -- you should.

Also, why is legal shit being tossed around? Don't see him anywhere saying he wants to sue her ... haha, or wants any legal compensation.

The only thing askew is that Taylor is an admitted Matt Nathanson fan. If I were him, I'd take it as a compliment. If I were her, I'd clarify that it was intended to be complimentary.

Originally Posted by bobsheiskawy

just piggybacking on the initial joke?

It didn't work.