the shake it off copyright lawsuit EXPLAINED: how serious is it? should swifties be worried? 😳

[@RosanneSol]

Besides the specificities of comparing the songs and how Shake It Off came to be, I feel like there's one huge thing that the jury has to take into account: throughout her entire career she has made numerous statements on how important she thinks it is for people to get fairly credited for and own their work. She has fought for other artists with her Apple Music letter. She's doing the re-recordings for this purpose. She decided to write the entire Speak Now album on her own to prove that she could write all those songs herself. Every night on the Reputation Tour she made the Loie Fuller statement. Of course she loves the money but I truly believe that "giving credit where credit's due" has much higher moral value to her and is pretty much the backbone of her career. That is (in my humble opinion) something the jury cannot and should not dismiss in their judgement.

[@theswiftologist]

totally agree! but juries are so fickle and unpredictable and will for sure have preconceived notions of taylor before trial. whether or not that works in her favor is anyone's guess

[@gaberichards4927]

I just want Taylor to win this law suite so that she can release 1989 Taylor's Version already

[@theswiftologist]

relatable!

[@rachaelc4762]

your wish has been granted.

[@tayluvofficial]

did she win

[@viktoralgotsson]

Having Taylor lose this lawsuit is literally LETHAL for the music industry. It would start an endless spiral of lawsuits, and the lines of what's copyright infringement or not would be erased completely. It cannot happen.

[@theswiftologist]

agreed! fingers crossed it wont

[@jpjz8339]

Im just afraid that, if Taylor loses the case, that would be used as a weak point for her and other songwriters/producers might wanna take advantage of the case and start suing her for whatever similarities they can find on her catalog and by losing this case, they could have an easier time taking money off her pocket

[@diannakaplan8853]

In this universe or any universe anywhere, regardless of how this suit ends, Taylor Swift will never have financial issues nor her grandchildren or her grandchildren's grandchildren. That is massive. I am a Taylor Swift fan yet baffled by the money she and other popular artists earn, particularly when it comes to touring. Also her one cat has a net worth of 150 million dollars! She is an incredible lyricist and very clever in her art and in general. She also has lawyers just as clever in their particular career choices. I honestly am unsure which way this will ultimately end but her lawyers do and will settle this in her best interest regarding finances and reputation.

[@jpjz8339]

@@diannakaplan8853 im not talking about her going bankrupt, but about great money taken off her unfairly like with the Shake it Off lawsuit because she doesn't copy or steals other people's work for them to come try give her a bad image

[@Fucorii]

@@diannakaplan8853but isn't it unfair? She earned that money with her hard work. And they are looting from her for money...

[@casey8645]

@@diannakaplan8853 its not about her going bankrupt, its about morality

[@Msw0413]

Max Martin also made a statement that taylor wrote the song entirely by herself. He also said that one of the co-writers from the players gonna play song tried to get max to listen to one of his songs but he refused so there has been a lot of speculation that this was done to “get back”

[@theswiftologist]

yeah so true! his statement was amazing, also proof that he has pretty much nothing to do with writing the songs and still engages in that questionable "I produced this so I'll have 1/3 of the publishing" nonsense....

[@Swiftiebooklover7]

The thing I hate the most about this lawsuit is people trying to make it into a race issue because the group in question is black when it has nothing to do with the lawsuit. Bringing up race is such a low blow because anyone who defends her against this allegation instantly gets labelled a racist.

[@tylermitchell7679]

Yeah and fatphobic. People really need to stop finding something to be offended about…especially from TS.

[@PristineWhens]

As soon as something gets popular, everyone wants to benefit off it. It’s Especially the case songs.

[@viktoralgotsson]

Exactly. I don't even believe that these two songwriters actually think that their lawsuit is 100% justified. They were just so upset that their song didn't reach the public eye, and therefore became jealous of Taylor in the most childish way possible when she used these two phrases in a smash hit that sounds absolutely nothing like their song, and sued her... and even if this would have been justified: come on, Taylor was 12 years old when this song barely made the charts. Even if she listened to the radio, would she have heard it?

[@hejti3894]

@@viktoralgotsson would she even remember it? this is so stupid lol

[@john_scheck]

You are literally so smart and versed in music culture I don't understand how. Also, if you did a video on Lana Del Rey, her career, music, your favorites, literally anything I would die.

[@theswiftologist]

omg thank u sm

[@mttssst]

Yesss a lana vid would be amazingg

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

Yess we need a Lana vid!

[@AllTheArtsy]

More and more lawsuits like these are gonna happen, especially because they can be argued, even tho they are inane and stupid to anyone versed in music theory- some chords/chord progressions are so common or shared in certain genres. Some words and phrases, and related phrases, are so common. And yet if a good lawyer argues with well-framed evidence, it can spell millions in payouts, settlements, writing credits. And so artists of any repute will try to file, sue and claim damages even though they must know their claims are paper-thin musically.

[@gonzalo6523]

the only thing that I´m scared of is 1989 (Taylor´s Version). IF this lawsuit deprives us of the release of the album then I swear it´s OVER for this men pd: I don´t dislike shorter videos, but personally prefer long ones! 🥰

[@theswiftologist]

thanks for letting me know!!

[@hudlepie953]

Same

[@edenstar196]

I’m wondering if Taylor could argue that her lyrics have repetition “play,play play play play” and are therefore not the same lyrics ?

[@theswiftologist]

maybe so!!

[@viktoralgotsson]

If that's the case, that's stupid too, but I do hope it is the case.

[@lau_86]

Taylor is amazing and I don't understand why this is happening and why people are trying to put obstacles in her career after everything we saw happening with her masters...I hope we'll get her version and that everything goes as we would love to see🌸

[@viktoralgotsson]

I think the lawsuit was made (Idk if you say "made" but oh well) in 2017, so nothing had happened with her masters back then.

[@RockG.o.d]

its about money. If it wasn't profitable, then they wouldn't care.

[@dillysilly1390]

And she also got sued for the term "speak now" like stop. Speak now is a extremely popular term

[@bammmitsrachel]

I thought that was a trademark issue.

[@causeimnachoprincess]

guys if you haven't read taylor's statement, go read it. it is hilarious. from The Guardian: Andrea Swift also filed a statement saying that she “carefully monitored both the television [Swift] watched and the music she heard” as well as the shared home computer. “Taylor did not attend sleepovers at friends’ houses as a young girl because we lived on a farm until she was 10 years old and I always preferred having friends come over to our home.”

[@causeimnachoprincess]

could you make a video discussing the recent controversies? pollution (taylor's verson) crawdads author, the david o'russel movie...

[@theswiftologist]

will talk about the private jet discourse in my q&a!

[@Jamieswiftie13]

Player and hater phrases (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

[@theswiftologist]

CRYING

[@AndromanKaya]

The fact that something as stupid as this is the reason we aren't getting 1989 tv makes me SO LIVID!

[@theswiftologist]

lol I knowwwwww right

[@brunetteXer]

s'ok. i'm actually dying to get Debut done with her more mature voice. I can wait for 1989tv.

[@AndromanKaya]

@@brunetteXer yeah but it seems like everything's on hold until this is resolved, including debut. We'll see though.

[@casey8645]

@@brunetteXer it would be so cool if debut was her last rerecord. the idea of ending it off with taylor swift (taylors version) is kinda poetic

[@midnightpluto]

so glad this lawsuit was finally dropped

[@SamanthaEatsCookies]

So I have tried to keep up with the case via Emily D Baker and I think you delivered the facts on this in a way that most understand. Trademark lawsuits are tricky and when they go international it becomes even more of a thing. With this litigating, Taylor will not let up because she believes in her work. And as you stated, I think any give in would be tarnishing her reputation for her whole stand up for artists especially when that happened in the 89 era. If it were to go to a trial, I can see her team making a stand of them looking for that buck and how they waited for what? 8 YEARS to get to the point of suing her? SIO was everywhere. If you felt the need to sue, wouldn't you go for it sooner? Things take time yes, but not 8 years. As her motion goes, it is a little funny because of the person we know her to be lol. Bottom line most American judges aren't going home keeping up with pop culture, but can get what they need from a statement like that even if it is a little silly. I think as long as her team can prove that these are common phrases, we are on good standing with Shake It Off being all Taylor, Max and Shellbacks.

[@jordennelson2512]

I’m so envious of how well spoken you are.

[@theswiftologist]

that's so kind!

[@ascendednightingale2456]

I’m 3 years younger than Taylor, and to this day, I haven’t heard “Playas Gon Play”. Never even heard of the artist that sings it. There was no KZbin or any social media in 2000. And it’s likely that if she never heard that song growing up, she wouldn’t seek it out in adulthood. Like I said, I’m 31 and have never heard it.

[@littlechatspodcast]

the thumbnail slaps 😩 Also I loved this video, it felt like I was in class haha. you're so knowledgeable on everything, you said so many things I hadn't even thought of!

[@theswiftologist]

thanks so much mace!!

[@SlpBeauty333]

I just went on Napster and listed to the song? Complete crap. It sounds nothing like "Shake It Off". It has a similar chorus but they're not the same. Playas they gonna play Haters they gonna hate Ballers they gonna ball And shy callers they gonna call That ain't got nothing to do with me and you That's the way it is That is nothing like "Shake It Off" and this girl group is probably desperate or they have delusions of grandeur to think that a 10 year old girl is going to remember their horrible song from 2000.

[@jazminrubio5685]

You’re not the only who thinks the “Taylorsplaining” one of the most basic lyrics she’s ever written is hilarious! 💀

[@ajayyyswiftie13]

This was so essential for you to explain. Thank you so much Zach

[@lamine428]

Damn in my community 3LW was a hit, i wonder if they checked other charts besides the hot 100

[@ernests761]

16:54 tbh i love the longer, rantier videos from you more

[@theswiftologist]

this seems to be the consensus hahaha Im gonna do a mix of both I think

[@yaccothetaco720]

This lawsuit is what happens when rent is due and your bank account has a blank space on it.

[@lilly5759]

I love your long videos but its easier for me to sit still and watch these shorter ones either way I love your videos!!

[@theswiftologist]

Noted! Def gonna do a mix of the two going forward :-)

[@rightwhereyouleftme__]

The way I'm truly praying this stupid ass lawsuit doesn't go to trial 😒 I don't want her getting dragged all over twitter and meme'd to high heaven. I'm scared it will make her disappear again (not that's she's really ever around anyway). Also I'm getting sooo antsy for the next re-record. She needs to give us something else to talk about other than this lawsuit and her co2 emissions

[@theswiftologist]

Ugh hard agree the radio silence is not it for me

[@loganr7108]

i’m gonna be working when this comes out. i’m so excited to watch it when i get home.

[@hollybeck605]

Don't know if you've seen but there's a swiftie lawyer on tiktok who has been talking a lot about this. She was saying something recently about how the writers might not even have the legal rights to the song in order to bring this case??? Wild.

[@theswiftologist]

It depends who owns the publishing rights I guess! If it’s the label then that might make any damages claim irrelevant…however, they might want writing credits (which would give them some publishing anyway….)

[@LuLu98J]

P.S.: I think that the fact the plaintiffs ignored that they couldn't sue in this matter and proceeded to continue with the lawsuit, even after their publishers denied them the right for suing, makes it even more evident how they are only looking for some "quick" money. -And they'll get out of it with lawyer debts, so... Good job, morons.-

[@brunetteXer]

when you build an empire, people try to take it from you. Anyone who is successful, running a business, owning big property or whatever, knows that you have to fend off constant attacks (Yellowstone is based on this theme). At least TS has the funds to fight these people.

[@mominah9374]

I love this in depth take thank you for making it! Does anyone here know the date for when the trial is scheduled to be or anything like that? I remember reading it was postponed but can’t find a specific date

[@theswiftologist]

it just got postponed to early 2023! thank you for watching :)

[@elenagerhardy2636]

Interesting takes as always Zack! I see what you mean about how damaging a jury trial could be. Just imagining my Twitter feed if that happened.. 😓 I feel like Taylor’s team will do absolutely everything they can to prevent this from going to trial, but if they run out of options, they’ll settle at the eleventh hour to prevent a trial. It would mean settling for more money than an early settlement, but that wouldn’t matter.

[@theswiftologist]

a jury trial would be a SHAMBLES.

[@afanchannel2868]

That last one where shes like "shrug it off and keep living" is so meta thats all she wants to say unironically rn

[@tativizca4687]

Please let us know when a new episode of the podcast is coming out, I’m dying for a new episode 😩💕

[@theswiftologist]

it will come when it comes

[@sandracosta3845]

You forgot the part where the suers don't even own the right to sue for the lyrics they sold the rights to 3LW's label Epic

[@RosanneSol]

Oh wow that's actually really important!

[@SlpBeauty333]

And the "sewers" gonna sue, sue, sue, sue, sue.. I just checked and their label is Epic. Not sure how that works but that's 3LW's label.

[@sandracosta3845]

@@RosanneSol yep and all the reports "forgot" to mention it perhaps bcz it completely ends the discourse or maybe just bcz they didn't bother to read the lawyers' statement bcz it's "not interesting" like Taylor's and Andrea's 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@miakirsch]

idk but the lawsuit better be over soon cause I need 1989 tv

[@AmIAllowedToCry013]

11:59 like my phrases slowly turning to yours and Madeline’s

[@jupneetksingh6454]

Thank you for this amazing analysis, Taylor’s original don’t know why ppl can’t see that!!

[@Obaid-Shahid]

could u make a vid on taylor and selenas relastionship please?

[@aloneinmidnight]

i'm just wondering why it took them so long to bring a case. the song dropped in 2014. what have they been doing for 8 years

[@causeimnachoprincess]

thanks! i never understood why tay couldn't just release the song. like if she's made to give credit, y can't it be after the TV is out?

[@mercurymorning1]

I suppose because the intention of the TVs is to prevent unscrupulous men (incl Scooter Braun) who have nothing to do with her songwriting from profiting off her work, if she were to release shake it off TV and lose the profits from it, that would defeat the purpose of the TVs in the first place…

[@hudlepie953]

These people, has getting on tay's bad side ever gone well for someone? literally no

[@theswiftologist]

the tayvoodoo is stronnnngggggg

[@jamescole1605]

Another great video! Would love more videos like this around the issue with Speak Now and the history of the masters?

[@theswiftologist]

I might do a masters recap for casual fans :)

[@hutchviews]

Where’s the picture of the bodysuit?

[@theswiftologist]

Google it babes I forgot to add it in lol

[@gabnp]

your hair looks amazing 😭

[@theswiftologist]

omg thanks I let it grow out

[@khaldrogo6096]

i've been waitin for this for a very long time thx Zach

[@brokenrealities513]

lol the bodysuit i can't

[@thesweetpet]

i loved your take on this! ☀️

[@theswiftologist]

thank you!!

[@Ivi-mm3ou]

Heyy, I would love to hear your opinion about the whole “Taylor swift private jet” - shitstorm-thing, that is going on right now. Do you even know what I mean? It's all over tik tok and every swiftie is like “it's not that bad” and I just want to hear an honest opinion from you about all of it :)

[@theswiftologist]

hmmm I'm not sure I have enough to say about it for a whole video but I will definitely address this in my upcoming q&A :) look out for it!

[@RosanneSol]

Yeah I'd love that too! The thing that annoyed me about it the most was that even after the article was debunked people were still going after her and completely dismiss the fact that it's not actually her using it for like 80% of the time. They'll use anything to slander her.

[@Ivi-mm3ou]

Yeah but honestly even if she rents it out it’s still kind of her responsibility … I mean it’s her jet after all and even though I don’t agree with people hating on her because of that I still think that it is important to talk about it and let her know…

[@stepanova8]

@@Ivi-mm3ou If we are all aware of the carbon footprint, then what we must do is actually divide the fuel usage by the number of passengers and compare it to the carbon footprint associated with commercial flight for a single person. Balance the cost of the plane against the added security she would need, because stalkers and weird people. Then you can compare that to the cost of other modes of travel. The SUV's her security team uses probably only get about 7-8 mpg because they have been fitted out with bulletproof glass and are heavy! We should all aim to be as carbon neutral as possible. When It's not possible to be completely neutral, it's just not. Taylor's not the one taking 17 min flights just to go get coffee or some such thing. Leave that to the Kardashian/Jenner clan.

[@stepanova8]

I honestly don't think that an 11 yr old Taylor Swift ever heard the 3LW song. It just doesn't seem plausible. She was making karaoke demo's of country music, traveling to Nashville to hit up all the Country Record labels, etc... At a minimum, she can show that she was not their target audience. If these guys are so protective of their work, why didn't they sue the same guy who sued Taylor for that same combination of players playing and hater's hating? I can actually see Taylor leaving Shake It Off on the cutting room floor if the jury pulls a bone head move and gives a cut to these two fellows. Is this case about plagiarism or copywrite? I think it would be pretty easy to show that she didn't plagiarize anything. But did she step on their copywrite might be a different question altogether.

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

Just excellent Zack. I’ve been following the case pretty closely, I’m not a lawyer or legal analyst. But it does appear that 1) UMG is holding up 1989TV because of the lawsuit; 2) hall & butler signed away their publishing rights & the publishers are refusing to sue Taylor. Seems to me this new development may be grounds for dismissal.

[@theswiftologist]

thanks for watching friend! yes, I'm hoping the publishers refusing to go after it will help some. I don't think it will stop them on their crusade to get credits, however

[@CarolineMAdams]

Did I miss the photos of the body suit ? I am looking everywhere for them! Thank you in advance

[@absv444]

“Haters gonna hate” was on every tacky 2011-2013 meme. I remember seeing TShirts, hats and socks everywhere in the mall with it on in… these men are so corny with how greedy they are. I highly doubt a a couple lines of lyrics from a girl group that wasn’t even that popular (I love the cheetah girls though so absolutely no hate on keely and Adrienne) in 2001. Justin is probably behind this.

[@jacobfisher7421]

THE NEW PFP! LOOKING GOOD BESTIE 😌❤️

[@theswiftologist]

thanks bestie!!

[@bbrenduhh]

Living for your podcast boo 🥰😘

[@casey8645]

Why are they being the liars and the dirty dirty cheats of the world when they could've just been getting down to this sick beat

[@AmIAllowedToCry013]

Oh I love this you’re such a queen

[@mollymccracken2740]

Thanks! Im wondering when future court dates are so we can get this over with lol

[@theswiftologist]

Same!!

[@memphisnunez3169]

I heard it’ll be in early September 2022.

[@tayluvofficial]

U forgot to post the picture of bodysuit 😂

[@brilibrilibrilibri]

I have to say that this thumbnail snapped.

[@theswiftologist]

omg thanks I've been working on my thumbnails, they always take me the longest....

[@omyskyii]

At this.. point everybody who had used word "me" should sue her for making "ME!" 😂😂.... 🙄😒

[@RockG.o.d]

George Harrison had a good track record too. subconscious copying is a thing, and copywrite laws need to be brought up to date.

[@maxwellbossong4706]

we know taylor has video of her writing all her songs so if she can at least (if it goes to jury) show the jury the video she may be able to sway them to believe her however with the current climate behind her the jury can definitely be swayed the other way

[@beatrixlozach4840]

Reminder: Fleetwood Mac objectively did not coin the phrase “players gonna play,” but “players only love you when they’re playing-“ Ms. Stevie Nicks. You can also comb the archives of lyricism in the black community to understand this absurdity. If it’s a cultural touchstone, you can glance into that fountain of community and bring people together, which is one of songwriting’s many benefits, if not the primary objective of le craft.

[@juliasanders9155]

"one of my favorite creators, kimberly nicole foster" same????? omg

[@gabechachas]

Did you get a new camera? The video quality looks really good on this

[@theswiftologist]

I got a new one a while ago! I sharpened the footage in editing tho maybe that's what it is

[@user-mh3up6eg5h]

You make me laugh in every video! You have such a charming personality, even when discussing legal matters, lol

[@theswiftologist]

thank you so much !! ♥️♥️

[@sonnymiller6524]

saw the upload and ran to my computer :)) luv u and madeleine xx

[@theswiftologist]

[@kitschesque]

Yesss the only opinion I wanna hear bc I know you'll deliver. King 💛

[@saqua608]

So as someone born within a year of Taylor, (so was about the same age as her when 3LW's song came out) I will say: the second I heard Shake It Off in 2014 when it first dropped the FIRST thing I thought of was that 3LW song. I'm not saying she plagiarized. I am just stating my experience. I remember being floored when the chorus for how much it reminded me of 3LW's. And I was never one to listen to music all day or watch TRL/MTV/VH1 much as when the 3LW song came out(my parents also restricted TV time and I wasn't a radio person). The other thing I was thinking about when watching this video is the point about the other writers being out of work and trying to make a cash grab. Idk but I wouldn't hold that against them NECESSARILY. I can imagine in 2014 them being like - she's the biggest thing on the planet do we really want to do this? And then later when they were strapped for cash and were still thinking about this going for it. Again: Not saying that that IS or ISN'T what happened. Just saying I could see that.

[@austinhampton955]

can you do a video about lana's discography?? I remember you mentioning you stan her too and would love a ranking of albums/songs or deep dive into her catalog!

[@theswiftologist]

On its way !!

[@hassanmansour9857]

@@theswiftologist OMG WE WON

[@chrissy817]

The best birthday present a swiftie can ask for, thank you Zach 😘

[@benjaminbutton7041]

Can you please please please make a video on all the random news and rumors about Taylor working on a Brand new album . please 🤞🤞

[@theswiftologist]

babe wake up there's no ts10

[@benjaminbutton7041]

Babe now I have to wake up in the middle of the night because we are getting MIDNIGHT TS10 . Anyways I am super excited because my birthday is on 20th October and I'm feeling like Taylor is giving me gift with this new album lauch. by fare the best gift I have ever received ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lobaetoile8440]

"Players are gonna play, haters are gonna hate" is a phrase you can hear in hundreds of songs. You can argue that it's a common saying.

[@lizardanimations1327]

Love you Zachy!!! thank you for giving me something to eat my lunch to

[@theswiftologist]

[@wanwan3864]

I dont think she has never plagirized imo taylor swift is a careful type of person even in reputation it was kind of strategized not the drama but the way she does things is 2 steps ahead and also payers gonna play and haters gonna hate is such an old phrase and alot of people heard it or read it and even if it wasnt shake it off is literally just a catchy song she probably made the song in 3 mins

[@samisteffen7333]

i know you love avril too id be interested on your take on the whole replacement avril conspiracy…part of me knows it’s ridiculous but part of me also thinks the music industry is batshit

[@MermaidCore_]

To be honest, I think there is a better case for the melody under The Story of Us chorus lyric, “I don’t know what to say since a twist of fate when it all broke down…” - it sounds so familiar to me: Tom Petty? Dire Straits? I can’t place it - drives me nuts but the strongest similarity is in the “since a twist of fate when it all broke down” melody- anybody else notice that? In terms of “haters gonna hate”? Sit the F down… it’s endemic, and it was when she wrote it with Max & Shellback 🤷‍♀️ hope it doesn’t go to a jury… you are correct: juries are fickle as hell!

[@shania1twain2]

Why didn't the the songwriters.try and.stop Taylor from putting out 1989 and also try and using the song in.her medley at the American music awards is it they're trying to get as much money now that she's rerecording.her back catalogue.

[@ledeordizon8654]

Omg finally he listened to me! Ty god🤣 love you zach! 🥰

[@blackmilk1000]

I need this in-depth explanation from Taylor about the process of writing Cruel Summer, specifically the lines 'in the glow of the vending machine I'm not dying'. Can someone sue her for plagiarising Cruel Summer please? I'll be very grateful.

[@elenagerhardy2636]

It’s an odd line for sure! I think there’s two loosely related points in that one line- ‘Hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine’ really makes me think of a scene at a hotel, grabbing a late night snack at the vending machine after everything is closed, perhaps after a hastily thought out tryst. It helps paint the early relationship as them both falling almost against their will, going to great lengths to maintain secrecy. ‘..I’m not dying’- I think this is shorthand for ‘I’m not living and dying over this relationship’. It fits with the rest of the verses and chorus which is essentially Taylor being in denial about how fast and hard she was falling in love (It’s cool, that’s what I tell him, no rules) before the facade comes crashing down in the bridge and she admits her true feelings. There’s also a lot of similar imagery to this phrase eg ‘killing me slow’ ‘summer’s a knife’, ‘devils roll the dice’ etc. What are your thoughts?

[@aloneinmidnight]

LMAO

[@isaacroot5459]

I love Kimberly Nicole Foster’s channel and For Harriet as well! Taste ❤️

[@theswiftologist]

she’s incredible!! literally my content creation spirit guide lol, she’s so unique

[@PoisonedApathy]

Thank you for explaining the lawsuit properly, because all the info about it was so fragmented. I hope the case is dismissed, because even the fact that the lines are in the same order could be total coincidence, given the structure of the chorus and the beat, it really asks for that refrain. I don't know, but these cases are getting more and more ridiculous, specially because pop music is that, POPULAR, and it is derivative by nature. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I discovered your channel this summer and I've been binging both the videos and the podcast! As an older fan (older than Taylor, yep!) it is refreshing to have an adult and critical perspective on her. Also, you're both hilarious, which is a plus. Love from Spain.

[@theswiftologist]

thank you so much Maria!

[@andrdinis]

btw you look beautiful

[@theswiftologist]

aw tysm

[@quinroseman7233]

i don’t know how, i don’t know when… but i smell scooter braun had something to do with this

[@ShinningDawn]

it's a trade mark not a copyright

[@theswiftologist]

It’s actually a copyright infringement lawsuit

[@imjakedeason]

I love your videos but they are a little bit quiet

[@theswiftologist]

oh, noted!! I'll boost it up in editing next time

[@jj3224]

this is so ridiculous they are just after her money

[@lamine428]

How do you prove you’ve never heard a song?

[@Swiftiebooklover7]

She said in her sworn declaration that she never heard the song. U can't lie in front of the courts. Also she said that as a child she wasn't allowed to watch mtv because her parents deemed it inappropriate and was only allowed to listen to country music CDs. So it's highly likely that she never encountered this group's music

[@hassanmansour9857]

@@Swiftiebooklover7 even if she lied to the courts, how would they even know lol, would they scan her brain's memory or what😅

[@bammmitsrachel]

What's crazy to me is that it's not even a crazy depth metaphorical type of lyric. Like these guys are suing over "playas gonna play and haters gonna hate" It's like making up a lyric saying "bitches gonna bitch" like it's too easy of a thing to make up. The fact that it's one of her biggest songs & how popular she is, it's obvious they want the pay out from her because if it was principal, then they be suing the other people who have used the phrases. Funny thing is the Urban Outfitters bodysuit manufacturer could have gotten the phrase from the 3LW song though.

[@kizzynanik]

i wanna know if you think taylor swift is married to joe alwyn or not -- based on the songs she's put out esp from the lover album. i don't write this in a gossipy way, just wanna know your thoughts.

[@jaybonn5973]

See this is why I don't like copyright law in any respect because it is built on absolutes and that's not how intellectual property is born. And every addendum made is to to compensate for the broken foundation. If AI art truly does see a rise in use and popularity by the people who matter, big suits and studios, that basically breaks copyright law because now we're arguing is the thing capable of having intellect to break it.

[@ingridbrandt7710]

Haha, Taylor’s gonna explain, ’plain, ’plain, ’plain, ’plain! I, too, am amused.

[@thetylernation]

king you look so good in this vid !!! i will stay hyping you up for the rest of time (when it’s deserved LMAO)

[@theswiftologist]

thanks!!! that subtle shade in when deserved LMAO love it

[@edenstar196]

Hi!!!

[@LuLu98J]

Okay, but wait a minute... What if Taylor re-recorded Shake It Off changing the chorus to singing the "Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break | Fakers gonna fake, fake, fake | I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake | I shake it off, I shake it off" lyrics twice, instead of having "players" and "haters" in the first half of the chorus? Or re-do the first half with another "Taylor's Version" of "players" and "haters" (for example, "Cheaters gonna cheat, cheat, cheat | Liars gonna lie, lie, lie" -omg I'm so bad at this- )? Then the contested lyrics wouldn't even be on the song. And she could release 1989 TV before the lawsuit is over... 🤡🤡🤡 I'm so annoyed I don't have Clean TV just because of a stupid lawsuit that maybe won't even get to trial because the plaintiffs gave their suing rights to their publishers years ago.

[@theswiftologist]

Well that’s a bad idea but go off queen

[@hunniii2356]

This lawsuit is so stupid and pointless like everyone says those kind of lines

[@ernests761]

scooter definitely paid them to sue her idc what anyone says