Quite an Interesting Thread! It's amazing how Copyright & "Ownership" have changed the Music World. In earlier, pre-copyright days, nobody (but the authors, probably) much-cared.

"Westminster Chimes"..undoubtedly the "World's Most-Popular Song" (Yep, it has Words!)...had its 16 Notes lifted from a section of Handel's "My Redeemer Liveth"..lyrics-supplied by a "Dr Crotch" in Londontown. 1787, was the year, best I recollect.

I've heard-tell that America's National Anthem has a melody lifted from an Old English Pub Song, too...

So..yep, maybe some lifting WAS taking place...so..fine, get the Lawyers together & work out the payment plan. Historically, melodies've been lifted since birds learned to chirp.

I guess Lifting's Evil...but how many of the "Finger-Pointers" ever sent in a Check to the Writers of all those songs they've sung "covers"-from?

Back to bein' a Wordsmith...
Best Wishes,
Stan