Song Clearance Sheet
4 sources citedBitter Sweet Symphony
Britpop1990s171BPM
A majKey
5:58Length
More around 170 BPM → · More in A major → · More “Cleared After Dispute” →
The verdict
Cleared After Dispute
Real dispute, real resolution — a single confirmed party to contact today.
Used by independents?
Unconfirmed — the page doesn't yet document enough sampler detail to tell.
Get the Audio
Streaming isn't enough to sample from — you need an actual file
Amazon
CD & vinyl editions
Collector's Copies
Original pressings, rare editions, and audiophile reissues
Discogs Marketplace
Includes a limited-edition 7" picture disc reissue
Quick Facts
Released1997
AlbumUrban Hymns
GenreBritpop, Alternative Rock
LabelHut Recordings / Virgin Records
ProducerYouth
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
Richard Ashcroft — sole songwriting credit since 2019, when Jagger and Richards voluntarily returned their share
NPR → · checked Jul 2026
Has it been cleared before?
Yes — the sample itself was originally licensed from Decca before the later dispute
Do they allow sampling?
Unclear — no documented general policy; this page reflects one specific dispute and resolution, not a standing stance
What does it cost?
No public rate — the original 1997 deal reportedly traded a sample license for 50% of the song's royalties, though that agreement was later disputed
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
What it samplesA 1965 orchestral recording of 'The Last Time' (Andrew Oldham Orchestra, arr. David Whitaker)
The song itself (composition)Richard Ashcroft — sole credit
Original license sourceDecca (orchestral recording)
Arranger of the sampled melodyDavid Whitaker
Separate mechanical-royalty claimOutcome not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Legal precedent
Allen Klein's ABKCO sued for plagiarism, claiming The Verve used more of the sample than the originally licensed few notes. The Verve settled: full songwriting credit and all royalties transferred to Jagger and Richards.
NPR · read it →
Real financial scale
Billboard estimated the song generated roughly $5 million in publishing revenue; Ashcroft reportedly received about $1,000 of that across more than two decades.
LegalClarity · read it →
2019 resolution
Jagger and Richards voluntarily signed over their full publishing share back to Ashcroft, announced as he received an Ivor Novello lifetime achievement award.
Radio X · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Who to Contact
RA
Richard Ashcroft
Sole songwriting credit holder since 2019 — the confirmed party for composition rights
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Don't Want the Hassle?
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Jul 2026Page created