Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck have been accused of stealing lyrics on their new album from an incarcerated man on their new album 18. According to Rolling Stone, the lyrics to their new song “Sad Motherf*ckin” Parade,” were allegedly taken from the late Slim Wilson, a gambler, pimp, robber and murderer.
They are accused of stealing lyrics from a song called “Hobo Ben” by Wilson. While he was doing time in Missouri State Penitentiary for armed robbery in 1964, Wilson met folklorist Bruce Jackson, who featured the Wilson's work in his 1974 book about toasts titled Get Your A** in the Water and Swim Like Me and a 1976 album of the same name.
“Hobo Ben” includes lyrics like “Ladies of culture and beauty so refined, is there one among you that would grant me wine? / I'm raggedy I know, but I have no stink / and God bless the lady that'll buy me a drink” and “Heavy-hipted Hattie turned to Nadine with a laugh / and said, 'What that funky motherf*cker really need, child, is a bath.'”