Adam Vary
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:30 pm GMT
Miley Cyrus is facing a legal challenge over allegations that her hit single “Flowers” bears striking similarities to Bruno Mars’ 2013 song “When I Was Your Man.” Filed in Los Angeles federal court by Tempo Music Investments, the lawsuit claims that Cyrus and her co-writers copied significant elements from Mars’ track without proper attribution.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed on Monday, with Tempo Music Investments asserting that Cyrus’s song exploits unauthorized portions of Mars’ hit. The company does not name Mars as a plaintiff; instead, they acquired a portion of rights to “When I Was Your Man” from co-writer Philip Lawrence.
Key elements of the lawsuit include:
- Tempo Music seeks unspecified damages.
- They aim to prohibit Cyrus from reproducing, distributing, or publicly performing “Flowers.”
- The lawsuit claims that “Flowers” includes melodies, harmonies, and lyrics that closely resemble those of Mars’ song.
Cyrus’s co-writers, Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack, are also named in the suit. The legal action targets several entities involved in the song’s distribution, including Sony Music Publishing and major retailers like Apple, Target, and Walmart.
Allegations of Similarity
According to the lawsuit, “Flowers” shares several key musical features with “When I Was Your Man.” The suit states:
“Any fan of Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man knows that Miley Cyrus’s Flowers did not achieve all of that success on its own.”
It goes on to identify specific aspects of similarity, such as:
- Melodic pitch design and verse sequence: Both songs are said to include similar melodic structures.
- Chorus similarities: Comparisons are drawn between the choruses of both tracks.
- Lyrical parallels: Tempo Music argues that the themes and lyrics reflect common ideas, suggesting a degree of overlap.
- Theatrical music elements: Their contention includes that both songs utilize similar musical dynamics.
The lawsuit asserts that “Flowers” could not have existed without “When I Was Your Man,” labeling Cyrus’s work as a derivative piece created without authorization.
Success of “Flowers”
“Flowers,” released in 2023, has achieved remarkable success, including:
- Winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance.
- Spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard charts.
- Reaching the top for ten weeks in the UK.
The song includes lyrics that many interpreted as a statement of self-empowerment, especially in the context of her past relationship with actor Liam Hemsworth.
In the catchy chorus, Cyrus sings:
“I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, talk to myself for hours, say things you don’t understand.”
These self-affirming lines contrast with Mars’ lament about lost love, which includes the poignant line about wishing he had bought flowers for his partner.
Responses and Implications
As of now, representatives for both Miley Cyrus and Bruno Mars have not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case draws attention to critical issues surrounding creativity and originality in the music industry, where influences often intertwine with accusations of infringement.
The suit not only seeks financial retribution but also highlights the ongoing scrutiny artists face regarding the inspirations that inform their music. If successful, Tempo Music’s claims could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus is in a legal fight over her popular song “Flowers,” which raises important questions about how artists can express themselves and what copyright laws mean for music. As the case moves forward, many people will be paying attention to how it affects Miley and the music world as a whole. “Flowers” shows how much Miley has influenced pop music, but the claims from Tempo Music highlight the tricky line between being inspired by someone else’s work and copying it.
