The German industrial band KMFDM seems to have borrowed or stolen quite a few lyrics from Frank Zappa, of all people. They can get away with this because there's probably not a huge overlap between their respective audiences; I've just run across the Zappa connection purely by accident, myself. Sascha Konietzko of KMFDM acknowledges Zappa as an influence, but as far as I've seen hasn't admitted to the wholesale ripping-off of lyrics. Interestingly, in the KMFDM track Don't Blow Your Top, no fewer than five different Zappa songs contribute lyrics, yet it actually holds together pretty well, demonstrating a weird hybrid of creativity and plagiarism. Sascha K's later lyrical work, particularly in the post-KMFDM band MDFMK, is, as far as I know, original, and pretty catchy.

For example:

Zappa, Tell Me You Love Me -- KMFDM, UAIOE

Tell me you love me
Tell me you love me
Like I want you to
I love you so hard now I'm crying for you
I want to come inside
and grab ahold of you

Zappa, Dinah-Moe-Hum -- KMFDM, UAIOE

Just get me wasted
And you're half-way there
'Cause if my mind's tore up
Then my body don't care

Zappa, Broken Hearts Are For Assholes -- KMFDM, Virus

Ram it up your poop-chute

Zappa, (Son of) Suzy Creamcheese -- KMFDM, Don't Blow Your Top

Once you were my one and only
Took my stash and left me lonely
Think I'll go and start my car
Really dig her she's so freaky

Zappa, I'm The Slime -- KMFDM, UAIOE

I am gross and perverted
I'm obsessed 'n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little had changed
I am the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined (designed) to rule
And regulate you

I may be vile and pernicious
But you can't look away
I make you think I'm delicious
With the stuff that I say
I am the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I am the slime oozin' out
From your TV set

Zappa, I'm The Slime -- KMFDM, Don't Blow Your Top

I'm obsessed 'n deranged
For I am destined to rule
And you will do as you are told
Until the rights to you are sold

Zappa, Dirty Love -- KMFDM, Don't Blow Your Top

I don't need your sweet devotion
I don't want your cheap emotion
Give me
Your dirty love

Zappa, The Orange County Lumber Truck -- KMFDM, Don't Blow Your Top

I just can't believe (that)
You are such a fool

Zappa, Bow Tie Daddy -- KMFDM, Don't Blow Your Top

Dontcha blow your top


What the web really needs is a site which automatically looks for lyrical overlap between all the lyrics of two distinct bands, 'cuz I'm sure there's more of this goin' on.

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