Copyright law quoting song lyrics

An important point to remember is that titles are not copyrightable.
You might consider using the title of the song and in your own creative way—and without relying on any of its lyrics— use descriptive language that evokes a memory of the song for those readers familiar with it.

If you want to print the lyrics of a popular song in your book to set a mood, have a character sing along with the radio, or use as a lead-in to your chapters, you need permission from the copyright owner.
The writers and publishers of the lyrics you want to quote are entitled, by law, to:

This post was originally published in 2013 and was updated May 2021.
Authors have been quoting song lyrics in their books for eons, but if you plan to quote lyrics written after 1925, be prepared to do some research — and get out your checkbook — long before releasing your book.

A primary question to consider when quoting song lyrics is the importance of the lyrics to your message.
If they are important, do you need permission from their copyright owners to use them in your work.
It is often wise to clear copyright on even a line or two of song lyrics. “Why?” you might ask.
Isn’t it a fair use? .