Talk:William Stirrat
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William Sirrat's life is unremarkable, and not worthy of a wikipedia entry, except for his claim to have written Unchained Melody. The claim would be unremarkable as well, except that it has proliferated around the web and even cited in the NY Times. I've included just a few weblinks, there are more including imdb. 208.158.7.218 01:20, 8 April 2007
- Much more. Most "urban legends" are debunked because of their high profile. This one runs below the radar screen.--Work permit 04:52, 9 April 2007 (UTC)
- First of all, just because something is a falsehood repeated over and over doesn't make it an urban legend. According to definition, an urban legend must be a) a narrative, b) believed, c) reflective of fears and anxieties about contemporary life. This is as far as we can tell, a hoax, told to a newspaper by someone who was either lying or sincerely delusional. The problem is, because of the nature of search engines and the like, it's gotten picked up all over the internet, on message boards, imdb, etc. The reason it's necessary to include info on Stirrat is that it's the only place on the internet where a version other than Stirrat's own claim, with independent verification, has been posted. If an encyclopedia is not for setting the record straight, what is it for? Bruxism 02:24, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
- I find it hard to be the "defender" of stirrat, for example calling this whole tale an urban legend rather then a hoax. I'd like to think Stirrat is just a delusional old man, but his fabrications date back to 1982. I'm trying really hard to keep a neutral point of view. There is yet more to uncover. My MPL website entry rips another shred off his fable. I hope the real Hy Zaret doesn't know about any of this.--Work permit 03:32, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
- You are correct, it is a hoax--Work permit 04:46, 13 April 2007 (UTC)
- First of all, just because something is a falsehood repeated over and over doesn't make it an urban legend. According to definition, an urban legend must be a) a narrative, b) believed, c) reflective of fears and anxieties about contemporary life. This is as far as we can tell, a hoax, told to a newspaper by someone who was either lying or sincerely delusional. The problem is, because of the nature of search engines and the like, it's gotten picked up all over the internet, on message boards, imdb, etc. The reason it's necessary to include info on Stirrat is that it's the only place on the internet where a version other than Stirrat's own claim, with independent verification, has been posted. If an encyclopedia is not for setting the record straight, what is it for? Bruxism 02:24, 11 April 2007 (UTC)
[edit] William Stirrat is not a liar
I have personally known William Stirrat and he is a wonderful, sweet, talented man, who wrote the lyrics to "Unchained Melody" and a few other unknown works in his early years. He knew songwriting was no way to make a living during those times and followed other passions in life. I ask this, if he had not written this song, why would he put himself through the fight for its royalties for so many years when he had so much more in his life? This man had no desire for fame and fortune, but lived simply for many years, quietly asking for no money, but credit for the song that he wrote when he was a teen. Also what is failed to be mentioned in this is opinion of the song is that there are five other men claiming to be Hy Zaret aside from William. It is digusting to see a good man's name soiled with the terms liar and hoax for a beautiful song he has fought for until his slow and painful death. He was a wonderful man, a man who was quiet and sweet, a man who bought Dunkin' Doughnuts for his grandchildren and loved his family. His name should be remembered fondly for his one hit wonder by everyone, and loved for himself by those who knew him.
- Hello IP address 24.255.24.9. I don't question that William Stirrat was a wonderful sweet man. I only question his claim to have written Unchained Melody. You see, there is a sweet, wonderful man living in Connecticut named Hy Zaret who really did write the song. And it's not right, in fact it's disgusting, for anyone to take that away from him. You say you know William Stirrat wrote the lyrics to "Unchained Melody". How do you know that? Because he told you? You say "there are five other men claiming to be Hy Zaret". How do you know that? Because he told you? You ask this, "why would he put himself through the fight for its royalties for so many years when he had so much more in his life?" You ask why did he lie? Why does anyone lie? I could easily speculate, but that would just further tarnish the fellow who bought Dunkin' Doughnuts for his grandchildren. --Work permit 05:41, 27 May 2007 (UTC)
