All rise.

The terms of this courtroom are simple. You will be presented with two songs, one by the plaintiff and one by the defendant. It is your task to decide if the defendant’s track is only coincidentally similar to the plaintiffs or, as members of the Bar Association put it, someone got caught with their fingers in the cookie jar. You have been duly instructed.

Today’s docket: Ben E. King, plaintiff vs. The Police, defendants

Ben E. King – Stand By Me from Don’t Play That Song (1962)

The verses have virtually the same melody, so much so that several mash-ups were made of the two songs. Damning evidence indeed!

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The Police – Every Breath You Take from Synchronicity (1983)

What about the bridge? If that bridge don’t fit, you must acquit! (Oh, and since when did Ben E. King sing about stalking? Hmmm?)

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Do you stand by Sting?

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About the Author

Dw. Dunphy

Dw. Dunphy is a writer, artist, and musician. For Popdose he has contributed many articles that can be found in the site's archives. He also writes for New Jersey Stage, Musictap.net, Ultimate Classic Rock, and Diffuser FM. His music can be found at http://dwdunphy.bandcamp.com/.

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