The moment Sam Smith's hit track "Stay With Me" was released, many music fans immediately noticed the distinct similarity to Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down." However, the 64-year old musician says that he harbors no ill feelings toward the Grammy-nominated Sam Smith and continues that the similarities between the two songs are simply pure coincidental.

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Tom, best known for his songs, "The Waiting," and "Free Fallin'" posted an official statement on his website last Thursday. It said, "all my years of songwriting have shown me these things can happen. Most times you catch it before it gets out the studio door but in this case it got by."

He further elaborated on the issue and said that there was never any intention to sue Sam and did not know how their issue became public.

After Tom's publishers and representatives highlighted the similarities to Smith, the 22-year old immediately agreed to settle and give Tom, as well as his co-writer Jeff Lynne, songwriting credits on "Stay With Me."

"Stay With Me" is Sam's most successful track. It was number one in the UK singles chart, number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand. It has sold more than 3.5 million tracks and is even nominated for this year's Grammy Awards.

Tom even said that their settlement is "hardly news." "I wish Sam all the best for his ongoing career," Tom continued. "Peace and love to all."

TagsTom Petty, sam smith