Can i use a song title in my song's lyric?

[crystalball]

California


Can i use a famous song title in the lyrics to my song that i will be selling online? I would just be using 3 of the 4 words from the original song title in my lyrics. The use of the song title would be in the verse and would not be repeated at all.

The band Oasis has often mentioned Beatles song titles in their lyrics(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_influence_on_popular_culture#Lyrical.2Fmusical_references_to_The_Beatles_in_Oasis_music).

Is it legal to do this?

 

[FlyingRon]

Song titles are not protected by copyright and in most cases it's doubtful other rights could be claimed.

 

[LordofBooks]

Even if the song title was protected by trademark or copyright, for the purpose you described, your use would likely qualify as a type of fair use, as well.

 

[latigo]

California


Can i use a famous song title in the lyrics to my song that i will be selling online? I would just be using 3 of the 4 words from the original song title in my lyrics. The use of the song title would be in the verse and would not be repeated at all.

The band Oasis has often mentioned Beatles song titles in their lyrics(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_influence_on_popular_culture#Lyrical.2Fmusical_references_to_The_Beatles_in_Oasis_music).

Is it legal to do this?

Yes, but you’d need to tweak them a tad.

Like “Swamp River”, “Moon over Sioux Falls”, “Carolina Fog”, “Headlights and
Roses”, “Bus Me to the Moon”.

You know, simple stuff like that.