Lyrics in a book?

[Mookie114]

I've written a book that I'm about to co-publish with a publisher. As a 'preamble' to each section of each chapter, I use a line from various recorded music. Do I have to seek 'approval' or whatever before including these lyrics in my book?

 

[racer72]

Yes.

 

[lawrat]

Racer is so wrong. No, not necessarily. Substantial similarity and fair use do come into play here. Please contact the u.s. copyright office helpline.

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I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

 

[racer72]

I based my answer on a decision made in a local case. An author used bits of songs from the rock group The Eagles in a publication. He was sued for copyright infringement and lost. I had a chance to read the publication and unless you were very familiar with the lyrics of certain songs, it would not be obvious where the passages came from. You can say "Welcome to a Hotel in California" but you can't say "Welcome to the Hotel California".