The song "Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath was them trying to play "The Planets" by Gustav Holst but they didn't have the skills to play it right but it inspired them to create the song that would give the band its name and define the darker side of music for ever. 
 
Now, horns up to Mr. Holst!

Every Jackson Browne song is the same Jackson Browne song.
 
He's a lazy bugger.

Lawyers in love, that's what it is.

Go out, enjoy life, write about it...every spoken phrase is a potential lyric, every sound or mood a potential melody.
The best inspiration usually comes along when you least expect it.

bapu

dwardzala
I have heard of the technique of taking a existing chord structure and reworking the melody (and vice versa) but have yet to try it.

Don't fear the lawyers, tell us the truth.

You cannot be, or even pretend to be, a bonafide songwriter without doing this. ...

Magic Russ

bapu
In The Midnight Hour and Knock On Wood intro's are the same chords reversed.

"Don't Stop" by the Stone Roses is literally "Waterfall" in reverse with new words on top.

Who says backmasking doesn't happen?... Or is that backward masking? (I'm so confused)