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Sam Smith Had To Pay Royalties To Tom Petty For 'Stay With Me'

Smith gives up partial credit for 'Stay With Me,' since it sounds like Petty's 'I Won't Back Down.'

Tom Petty now has songwriting credit on Sam Smith's "Stay With Me." The rocker is listed as a writer for the track on ASCAP's website after Smith reportedly settled with Petty's lawyers when they caught wind that "Stay With Me" sounded similar to Petty's 1989 song "I Won't Back Down."

The Sun reports that Smith has to give 12.5% credit to both Petty and songwriter Jeff Lynne.

ASCAP

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A source told The Sun: "When Sam’s track was originally released, it was clear to a lot of musicians that there were notable similarities between the tracks. After it was pointed out to Sam’s camp, they didn’t try to fight it and amicably dished out royalties. It wasn’t a deliberate thing, musicians are just inspired by other artists and Sam and his team were quick to hold up their hand when it was officially flagged."

MTV News has reached out to Smith and Petty for comment.

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