10 Classic Songs You Didn't Know Were Ripped Off

Accusing the Beatles of plagiarizing any of their material just feels dirty as a rock fan. Considering the Fab Four's influence has crossed genre boundaries as some of the greatest tunes of the 20th century, the thought of them blatantly copying someone else's work just doesn't feel right. Everybody has to get it from somewhere though, and it turns out the British Invasion was taking a few cues from across the pond.

When George Harrison first switched to a 12-string guitar on A Hard Day's Night, Roger McGuinn was immediately inspired, trading in his banjo for his own copy of the guitar. Once the Beatles started to tour, they would often make mention about how McGuinn's outfit the Byrds was one of their favorite American acts, oftentimes hanging out with them when they were in town. The highest compliment paid to the American folkies though came with the release of Rubber Soul, when Harrison copied the lick from the Bells of Rhymney to suit his song If I Needed Someone.

Compared to the other notable ripoffs on this list, this was actually done completely on purpose, with Harrison even sending McGuinn a complimentary copy of Rubber Soul to let him hear his little homage. Instead of the usual rock and roll scuffles, the sound of these two worlds rubbing against each other made marked the beginning of the Fabs exploring even broader sonic palettes.