So, tell me what you know...

[autographedcat]

Now this looks like a fun meme for Wednesday (vectored from filkerdave and katyhh:

Pick one person on my friends list, and tell me something good about them that you don't think I know.

Comments

[mneme]

IANAL (I am not a lawyer), but this is my understanding:

It depends on whether the lyrics are parody, derivative work, or unrelated.

If they are unrelated (except by using the same tune), you definately can't record them without permission, but can post/publish/sell them all you like -- no infringement. (example: Lee Gold's _Let the Birds Fly_. Probably doesn't even infringe on Barry Hugart's copyright either, since she never mentions any names or anything).

If they are sufficiently derivative, but without being parody (ie, not a comment on the original), you're legally on questionable ground, for either posting the lyrics or making a recording without permission. (example: "My Grandfather's Clock" without the "L").

If they are true parody, you can (at least, theeoretically) do pretty much anything -- post the lyrics, record/sell music; whatever; parody is protected fair use, by definition. But note that you and a court might not agree on what "parody" means.