12 Controversial Songs That Were Stolen

By Sean O'Meara / June 17, 2020

7. 'Stay With Me' - Sam Smith

Where It Was Stolen From: 'I Won't Back Down' -Tom Petty

In many instances, it's an artist's publishers that forces legal action, rather than the artist.

This was the case when publishers for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' song 'I Won't Back Down' contacted the publishers of Sam Smith's Stay with me to point out similarities between the two tracks, notably in the choruses.

The latter acknowledged the similarities and quickly agreed to credit Tom Petty and co-writer Jeff Lynne, plus awarding them a share of the royalties. "These things happen," said the ever-reasonable Tom Petty, before wishing Sam the best of luck with his career. What a nice guy.