Did George Harrison Steal from James Taylor?

The relationship between artists often shapes the music landscape, and an intriguing case of possible songlifting has been the subject of much discussion. While some sources claim that George Harrison stole the first line of his iconic song "Something" from James Taylor's "Something in the Way She Moves," the truth may be more nuanced.

The Controversy

The confusion stems from George Harrison's connection with James Taylor. Taylor was signed to Apple Records when Harrison was working with his famous band, the Beatles. Given the close ties between the two music companies, Harrison and the Beatles' other members, including Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, had the opportunity to interact with Taylor.

The Specific Incident

According to some accounts, Harrison and McCartney had a chance to listen to James Taylor's song "Something in the Way She Moves." Harrison, inspired by the first line, "Something in the way she moves," used it as the opening lyric for his own masterpiece "Something."

James Taylor has stated that he was flattered if Harrison either consciously or unconsciously took a line from his song. Taylor was no stranger to songwriting and has demonstrated that it is not an unusual thing for popular lines to be borrowed or inspired by other artists in the industry.

George Harrison's Stand

George Harrison himself has acknowledged that he merely asked permission from Taylor to use the line. Taylor granted this permission, which adds a layer of transparency to the situation. This permission-seeking behavior further suggests that Harrison respected Taylor's rights and was not engaging in a blatant act of plagiarism.

George Harrison's Other Hits

It's worth mentioning that "Something," one of Harrison's most enduring hits, was indeed his last song with the Beatles. While it may have only been a one-off, it is considered a timeless classic. The song's success was a testament to Harrison's talent as a songwriter and his close collaboration with classical musicians like Yo Yo Ma.

Conclusion

The question of whether Harrison stole the line from Taylor remains a matter of interpretation. While it is certainly possible that Harrison heard the line and was inspired to use it, the fact that he sought permission suggests that no copyright infringement occurred. The relationship between these two artists was a complex one, with both respecting each other's work.

Ultimately, while the line from "Something in the Way She Moves" did become the opening line of "Something," it speaks to the rich tapestry of musical influences and collaborations that shaped the rock era. This episode serves as a reminder of the intricate web of inspiration and creativity that pervades the music industry.

Keywords: George Harrison, James Taylor, Something, Songlifting