Bittersweet Symphony: The Story Behind the Iconic Song
Subtle Plagiarism Costs "Bittersweet Symphony" Millions
The iconic song "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve has a fascinating backstory that involves a multi-million dollar lawsuit. According to W Magazine, the song's rights cost 10% of the film "Cruel Intentions'" entire budget due to a plagiarism claim.
The Rolling Stones' Role in the Lawsuit
In 1997, after "Bittersweet Symphony" was released, former Rolling Stones manager Allen Klein filed a lawsuit against The Verve for alleged plagiarism. The song contained an unauthorized sample of the Stones' song "The Last Time."
The sample, which was used to create the song's haunting string arrangement, led to a lengthy legal battle. Eventually, the court ruled against The Verve, and the band was forced to surrender the songwriting credits and royalties to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Recognition and Legacy
Despite the legal battle, "Bittersweet Symphony" has become one of the most enduring songs of the 1990s. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1999 and has been included in several prestigious lists of the greatest songs of all time, including Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." The song also played a pivotal role in the 1999 film "Cruel Intentions," where it is heard in the final scene.
The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, which have resonated with audiences for decades.
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