Sorry Freigtdawg, your example of the John Denver book bears little relationship to the problem.   Buying the book does not give you permission to make a career as a John Denver impersonator.   Read the copyright and other restrictions in the beginning of most songbooks. Public performance is not implied in cases like that.

Of course, it is highly doubtful that the John Denver estate would go after Freightdawg for the $1.38 they would be owed from the 3 CD's that you managed to sell of the unauthorized use of the work.

There is a huge "sky is falling" mentality that is taking hold. The record companies have enough trouble on their hands - they aren't going after the little guy, no matter what the media tries to spin. The case in point (anyone remember the beginning of this thread - th reason for this season??) was about a person who was DISTRIBUTING the songs to a much larger group. THOSE are the people they need to stop.

If you simply wish to make a copy and give to your friend, it is sense of right and wrong at work.