Q17 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters

Question 17:

I’ve written a pretty good song but the title of the song is the same as another song that was recorded back in the 50’s. The melody line and words in my new song are completely different, so is it all right to use an already used title?

Yes, it is perfectly OK to use a song title that has been used before. You can’t copyright a title. There have been several different songs with the same titles written and recorded, but I don’t think it would be too cool to take the title of a very well known hit song and write new lyrics around it. AND be aware that using the exact title of a song that has established itself as part of the culture, can open the doors for a lawsuit based on property rights in the title, which belong to the copyright owner of the famous song. So my advice would be, if your song’s title is not that of a very famous song don’t give it a second thought, use it. BUT, if your song’s title happens to be (Help Me Make It Through The Night) you might want to change it to, “Help Me Make It” or maybe “Through The Night”. Something that still retains your message but isn’t quite so obvious.

Richard Melvin Brown (Songsculptor) provides a helping hand to lyricists (with little or no musical ability) in realizing their dreams of becoming a Professional Songwriter. Can you write a GREAT lyric but can’t carry a tune in a bucket? If so visit us on the web http://songsculptor.com

Author: TheSongsculptor
Duration: 96
Published: 2011-03-20 17:55:44
Q17 Songwriting tips for lyricists, poets and songwriters

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