I am writing a book and want to use lines from popular songs as illustrations. What permissions do I need?

Question

I want to space these quotes throughout my book. I'm just talking about a line or two from well-known, popular songs.
I've heard that this can be done freely, but I want to find out if I have to deal with copyright law an payment of royalties, etc.

Answer 1

Minimal use of copyrighted material is generally permissible without permission or the payment of royalties, provided that you properly cite the sources. The others who responded don't know a thing about copyright law apparently.

Answer 2

You need to know if the lyrics are in public domain.

Ex.: ...And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air....

If they are not, then the minimal use rule applies. However, if your work is published, it's a good idea to get permission from the publisher or whomever holds the copyright.

Some authors will allow free use for educational publications; some don't. Most authors will have some kind of fee for non-educational publications.

Asking for permission takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Answer 3

As long as you notate the authors of the songs and only use them as quotations you may not have to pay royalties.
If the book is published, your publisher will send any owed royalties to ASCAP which will in turn pay the authors. This will of course come out of your royalties for the book.
Use of copy-written material laws vary by country so your publisher will let you know. Use the lyrics and you will find out. The worst you have will have to do is edit them out.

Answer 4

i've got examine many books that try this. each and each time a music lyric is referenced, it rather is often given credit for interior the endnotes of the e book. some lyrics are area of the well-known public checklist (in the event that they are older than 50 years previous, i've got self assurance) and you do not would desire to ask permission to apply them. even nonetheless, for extra recent songs and songs whose rights are owned, you are able to legally be required to ask permission to apply them. it rather is a few thing a writer will handle. oftentimes speaking, as long as you supply finished credit, you're in all likelihood risk-free.

Answer 5

You may have to get permission from the publishing companies of each song

Answer 6

Do you have any addresses of some authors that you could contact & ask?