Can I sing a modified version of a copyrighted song?

Question

Ok, so I am pretty confused when it comes to copyright and stuff. I have a couple of questions about songs and their copyright limitations:

1. Can I change the lyrics of a copyrighted song and sing it with the changed lyrics for personal amusement only and NOT share it somewhere (like YouTube)?
2. Can I actually share it somewhere like YouTube?
3. Can I hire a singer who can sing the modified song for me?

Cheers!

Nuff Sed · Accepted Answer

You can sing any copyrighted, non-dramatic song you want, in public, if you're not being paid and any profit from the audience is going to charity. 17 USC 110(4). You cannot record and distribute your performance of any copyrighted song without a license. Whether you can record yourself and listen to yourself in private is legally moot if nobody ever knows you're doing it.

You can hire someone to sing your modified song (in public) if you have the necessary license (ASCAP.com or BMI.com).

Listener Sheogorath · Answer

Number 1, yes. Number 2, no. Number 3, no. Parody is allowed under US law, especially if the final product is transformative, but US courts forgot a long time ago that satire is a form of parody, so you would lose if sued. Sorry. :(

marconprograms · Answer

The rules are pretty open for such use in satire or straight comedy, they can get touchy, especially if any money is involved.

? · Answer

It happens all the time and nobody gets into trouble for it.

xpatinasia · Answer

Yes, you can.

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Can I sing a modified version of a copyrighted song?

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