All songs came from somewhere, most of them are based on the musical knowledge and heritage of the songwriter.

Truly original songs are extremely rare. Even songs that are considered way ahead of their time, fit into the current musical culture.

Consider Hank Williams and 'Move it on over' It fitted into country music and what Hank was singing at that time, 1947 or 1948. But it's time didn't become right until Bill Hailey copied it for 'Rock Around the Clock' years later.

When I write a song with what I consider an original tune, what I really mean is that it's origin can't be identified. I don't know where it came from. So every time I sing a new song I'm always scared that someone is going to say "Oh! that's such and such song'.

Other times I deliberately use an existing song, for example 'Silicone Cindy' wouldn't be nearly so good to a different tune, and even the basic idea came from a newspaper article.