MovieChat Forums > Six Reasons Why (2009) Discussion > Sting Lyrics Ripped Off

Sting Lyrics Ripped Off

posted 16 years ago by ballyhoot
2 replies | jump to latest

So, I was watching Six Reasons Why, and I get to the scene where "Sherpa" is talking about how he killed a man one time. How he had borrowed a rifle, sat on a hill, saw a rider on the plains, drew a bead on him to practice his aim...etc etc. As I listened to the story, it all sounded so darn familiar. I realized it reminded me of the lyrics to a Sting song from his "Mercury Falling" album, called "I Hung My Head." At first, I thought the film makers had simply based the Sherpa's story on Sting's song, but as the story continued, I realized it was often EXACTLY like the song, with whole lines ripped verbatim from Sting's verses. Once I realized this, the whole scene was comical, absurd.

Has anyone else noticed this? Did the filmmakers pay Sting some royalties for blatantly ripping off one of his songs without any credit? Or did they get his quiet approval? Or what's the deal here?

kp

[–] mogonk 15 years ago

I think it's supposed to be funny.

In the scene right before that one, where he beats the guy to death with his pistol, it seems to me the drama is being played for laughs. I mean, he beats him for soooo long, and every time he hits him he yells. At first it's dramatic, but by the time he's finished its just funny.

So, yeah, aspects of that branch of the storyline are sorta tongue in cheek.

As far as paying sting royalties, you dont have to pay someone to quote lines from their songs, or even get approval. Just so long as you dont sing it.

[–] danimal97520 14 years ago

That would be incorrect. It doesn't matter if you sing it, print it or say it. If you quote someone's published work, you have to get approval and pay royalties. Legally it's a very clear cut issue. Look it up.