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In light of the piracy of music videos and songs, the music industry has become wary of allowing others to use anything of theirs. While understandable, allowing writers to quote anything comes under a different heading than allowing people to use their music without permission.

Lyrics to songs are written words that are covered under copyright laws. Writers may quote any and all written word as long as they follow copyright guidelines, cite their source, and give credit where credit is due. Therefore, quoting song lyrics has implied permission.

The problem is not writers quoting lyrics, but writers not following copyright laws. After all, it is easy enough to get the lyrics to any song on the internet or by listening to it, so it's not like people have never heard the words before.

Moving any form of written word into a 'special' category that needs permission would handicap writers and possibly cause others to want their words considered off limits as well.

The music industry should make sure all use of lyrics follows copyright guidelines, but they shouldn't sweat their lyrics appearing in print. The use of lyrics in an article may even cause people to want to check it out and provide income for the owners of the lyrics.

Those of you in the writing industry: make sure you cite your source, follow copyright guidelnes and give credit where credit is due. When you use anothers words, they do not belong to you, and the person who created them deserves to get credit for his or her work.

Song lyrics do not, nor should not, require permission for use. They do, however, require credit to the source. The music industry should not worry about who quotes their lyrics. Instead they should go after those who quote lyrics or make them available without following copyright laws.

Copyright infringement and plagarism should not be tolerated, not only because that involves stealing another's words, but because it gives a black eye to reputable writers who seek to always use quotes correctly.

Learn more about this author, Angela S. Young.
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