How do I get Rights for a Song?

Question

I am currently in the process of writing a series of stories; most of which include the song lyrics of copyrighted songs. What is the difference between "all rights reserved" and "used with permission" in bibliographies for songs in literature? And what do I need to do in order to obtain the lyrics that I need?

SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY!

That great...HOW do I get permission exactly? That's my big question, and define the terms in quotations, I don't know what they mean.

Answer 1

Those terms mean just what they say. You need to contact the publisher or producer to get their permission as they hold the rights to the works.

Additional comment:
"copyrighting " is a misunderstood term. As soon as you write anything, (a song, essay, movie script, etc.) and place the copyright symbol and script (.© full name / year) your work is "copyrighted" and legally belongs to you. In order to gain the fullest legal protection for your work it must be filed with the US Copyright office in Washington D.C. An inexpensive (but less protective) means is to seal a copy and mail it to yourself without opening it upon receipt. Without a registration, your work can be legally challenged by someone else who files for copyright of your work. The legal system dwells heavily on technicalities. Here is a link which defines and outlines the process.
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#note

"If you wish to gain permission to use copyrighted music works, the producer is usually the one granted legal rights to allow use. For written works, it is the publisher who has this authority". Music performer rights organizations like BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC may guide you to the correct person(s) to gain permission for use. The PRO to whom the work is registered will be listed on the work.
© pat from ohio 2007.

Answer 2

Ascap and Bmi are performance rights organizations, they cannot grant you publishing permission. However, their database usually has the information concerning the songs publisher and in that way they can help you. The publisher normally is the one to grant you permission to use the lyrics in the stories you are writing.

Answer 3

Contact BMI or ASCAP (depending on which one the composer is affiliated with) most songwriters belong to one or the other. Permissions can be gotten through those agancies.

Answer 4

After you write a song, then you need too copy write your song. Go to your local library, in the legal section look under copy righting. Also go unline and look for it that way.

Answer 5

Write your own lyrics and you can get them copyrighted !!!
Oterwise you wll have to get permission from the real authors.