The general rule that I was taught is that the royalties are set at about 8¢/1000 CD copies (in the States). When in doubt I and my band members prefer to pay that rate directly to the composer rather than run the risk of a misunderstanding. We also send two copies of the CD to the composer. Sometimes we do donate an equivalent amount to their favorite charity.

One should make every effort to credit composers of lyrics and/or music as clearly as possible. The source of what we're singing is an essential part of the folk process.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble