Benson Boone Addresses Harry Styles Copying Claims

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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The Songs at the Center of the Controversy

The core of the controversy lies in the perceived similarities between Benson Boone's "ghost of you" and Harry Styles' mega-hit "as it was." Fans and critics alike have pointed out several striking parallels, sparking a heated debate about potential plagiarism. Let's dissect these alleged similarities:

• Musical Similarities: Many listeners have noted comparable melodic contours, particularly in the verses of both songs. The rhythmic structures also exhibit a degree of similarity, with both employing a relatively straightforward, driving beat. Further analysis might reveal similar chord progressions or harmonic structures, although this requires a more in-depth musical analysis by professionals. Unfortunately, readily available audio examples for direct comparison are limited by copyright restrictions.

• Lyrical Comparison: While the lyrical content differs significantly in terms of narrative, some have argued that the overall emotional tone and themes of longing and lost love present in both songs could contribute to the perception of similarity. A detailed lyrical analysis is needed to definitively confirm or refute this claim.

• Song Structure: A comparative study of the song structure—verse, chorus, bridge, etc.—could reveal whether the arrangement of musical sections also displays similarities. Again, professional musical analysis would be crucial to confirm any structural parallels.

• Subconscious Influence: It's important to consider the possibility of unintentional similarities. Artists often draw inspiration from various sources, and subconscious influence from previously heard music is a common phenomenon in the creative process. Determining whether the similarities are intentional or unintentional requires a careful examination of Boone's creative process and potential exposure to Styles' music.

Benson Boone's Official Response and Statement

To date, Benson Boone has not issued a formal, public statement directly addressing the "copying" accusations. The absence of an official response leaves room for speculation and fuels the ongoing online debate. A clear and detailed statement from Boone, outlining his creative process and addressing the specific points of comparison raised by critics, would likely help clarify the situation and quell some of the controversy. Such a statement could highlight his artistic integrity and address concerns about originality. However, in the absence of a direct response, fans and critics continue to interpret the silence in various ways.

Expert Opinions and Industry Perspectives

To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of this controversy, we need input from music industry professionals.

• Legal Ramifications: Music lawyers could shed light on the legal thresholds for plagiarism in music. Copyright law protects musical compositions, but proving direct copying requires demonstrating substantial similarity beyond mere coincidental parallels. The question of whether the perceived similarities between "ghost of you" and "as it was" meet the legal standard for copyright infringement requires expert legal analysis.

• Artistic Inspiration vs. Plagiarism: The line between drawing inspiration and engaging in plagiarism is often blurry. Experts could discuss the ethical considerations for artists who use elements from other artists' works. The creative process often involves absorbing influences, but responsible borrowing respects copyright and acknowledges sources of inspiration.

• Prevalence of Similar Elements: It's also important to note that some musical elements are commonplace within particular genres and styles. The presence of similar melodic phrases or chord progressions might not automatically indicate plagiarism, especially if these elements are widely used conventions.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying the Debate

Social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying the "Benson Boone copying Harry Styles" debate.

• Viral Trends: The initial comparison between the songs quickly went viral, with numerous TikTok videos and social media posts highlighting the perceived similarities.

• Fan Opinions: Fan communities have passionately engaged in the debate, expressing varying perspectives, from staunch support for Boone to accusations of plagiarism. This online discourse has fueled the controversy, creating a highly polarized public opinion.

• Misinformation: The rapid dissemination of information on social media also raises concerns about misinformation. Incomplete or biased interpretations of the musical comparisons have contributed to the intensity of the debate.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the perceived similarities between Benson Boone's "ghost of you" and Harry Styles' "as it was" highlights the complexities of artistic inspiration and the ever-evolving nature of copyright law in the music industry. While a definitive judgment on whether plagiarism occurred requires expert legal and musical analysis, the debate itself underscores the importance of transparency in the creative process and responsible borrowing of musical ideas. This article explored the controversy surrounding Benson Boone and Harry Styles. While the debate about artistic influence versus plagiarism continues, this analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Continue to follow the discussion surrounding Benson Boone and the complexities of creative inspiration in the music industry. Share your thoughts on the "Benson Boone copying Harry Styles" debate in the comments below!