I want to keep the lyrics threads, so I want to know the right thing to do.
Is it OK to quote lyrics and give credit to the band who performed the lyrics, or should credit be given to the songwriter.
There are exceptions, I presume. For example, Robert Hunter wrote most of the songs for the Grateful Dead, but I believe most of those songs are copyrighted as Dead songs.
However, take the example of "Green Green Grass of Home," which was made famous by Johnny Cash, but which has been sung by many singers, and was written by Claude(Curly) Putman.
I just want to know, not to prove a point, but to do the right thing so we can keep my favorite thread alive. Thank you.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
Quoting more than a line or two of lyrics, even if you give credit, is technically a violation of copyright unless you have written permission from the owner of the copyright.
Many songwriters might not care or might see it as free advertising, and it's unlikely that anyone would sue a well-meaning message board for it, but the board is still potentially liable and is better off playing it safe.
Posted by Hiroshima (Member # 7970) on :
I'll concur with Elizabeth.
Posted by JenniK (Member # 3939) on :
If it is a limited quote, it is considered fair use.....but quoting large parts of a song would be a violation.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
But there are so many fine lines. I guess I will always do a search, just to make sure the songwriter is who I think it is.
But in the case of a band, for instance, well, Donna the Buffalo. Should I cite each songwriter, or is it OK to cite the band, as the songs are recorded under the band's label?
I am confused on that one, big time.
If I am quoting "The Who" lyrics, can I just say "The Who," or do i have to specify Pete Townshend or Roger Daltry?
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I understand the small versus large quote issue. I just want to know how specific I should be.
Posted by Hiroshima (Member # 7970) on :
Personally, I think the quotes should be relatively short. A long quote has way too many words to key from.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
While its good ethics to mention a source, there's nothing illegal about not citing a source for a small excerpt if you're clearly not claiming the words as your own.
No required attribution.
Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :
The idea of keeping it to two lines is so that attribution does not become an issue. Do your best, but if someone is given credit who only covered the song (like Van Halen?) I don't think the internet police will descend.