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Song Stories

“Last Nite”

The Strokes | 2001

“Last Nite” turned the New York garage rockers into one of the most talked-about indie bands of the Aughts, helped along by the fact that the opening riff was “borrowed” from Tom Petty. “People would say, ‘You know that song “American Girl” by Tom Petty?’” Lead Stroke Julian Casablancas said. “‘Don’t you think it sounds a little like that?’ And I’d be like, ‘Yeah, we ripped it off. Where you been?’” In a 2006 Rolling Stone interview, Petty said he found it funny they admitted to the pilfering. “It doesn’t bother me,” he said.

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“Just Like Heaven”
The Cure | 1987
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“I Can See for Miles”
The Who | 1967

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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