I sincerely appreciate Taylor Brown's serious inquiry here. However, I for one, am getting darned fed up with the focus on "COPYRIGHTS."

I recently wrote a sea song titled "The Old Fisherman." It was based on a true story that I witnessed when I was fifteen years old. Just a couple of weeks ago a friend of mine wanted me to record that ballad for a new CD she is producing. However, she insisted that I change the melody I used as the melody I used might be copyrighted."

I responded in my usual contrite fashion by saying something like $^%&$%^#%#^& or words to that effect.

To Taylor, I would say ... use the lines if they fit your theme. TO HELL WITH THE LAWYERS!   bob(deckman)nelson