Tune Req: Traditional Melody with New Lyrics

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Traditional Melody with New Lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 03:22 PM

If the melody is truly traditional, then you have no copyright issue. But as was said above, it's a good idea to post a specific question here, so we can research the tune and let you know for sure.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Traditional Melody with New Lyrics
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 01:56 PM

I've done this a few times (which will not go over well with some folks), setting my own words (in English) to the airs (melodies) of Irish-language trad songs. Traditional music is not subject to copyright laws while arrangements of such may be.

Probably the best way to find out whether an air is traditional is to start a thread here, naming the air, and our knowledgeable scholars will tell you.

While anonymous Guest postings are permitted at Mudcat, you will garner much more good will by using a consistent "handle".

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Traditional Melody with New Lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 01:50 PM

Would be an easier question to answer if you said what trad tune you have in mind.

Subject: Tune Req: Traditional Melody with New Lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 01:48 PM

I am looking to find out the proper way in which to incorporate a traditional melody with new words. What are the copyright laws if any concerning this. Also, are there any true sure-fire ways to know that a traditional melody is in fact traditional and not misrepresented on album notes? I do not want to infringe on a known composer without realizing it.

Thanks.