where were you now that i need you lyrics

If, for example, I want to illustrate a point by quoting 300 words from a copyrighted 75,000-word book, that will usually qualify as fair dealing. In the UK, the extract used must not constitute a “substantial part” of the original. The two concepts operate differently but, as a broad generalisation, they allow you to use some – a “fair” amount – of a copyrighted work without consent in certain circumstances. The relevant exception for authors is called “ fair use” (in the US) or “ fair dealing” (in the UK and most Commonwealth countries). There are exceptions when the use of a copyrighted work doesn’t need the artist’s consent – these often include things like use in education and reportage.

Song titles, conversely, don’t qualify for copyright protection, so if you want to call your next novel Bohemian Rhapsody to cash in on that lucrative Václav Havel/George Gershwin/Freddie Mercury fan base, knock yourself out.īut copyright isn’t absolute. Thus, for a period of time, usually the artist’s life plus 50-100 years, the artist has the exclusive right to determine how and when her art is used or copied. In most countries, most artistic works – including most song lyrics – are protected by copyright. So in my case it’s IANALA – I Am Not A Lawyer Anymore.Īs such, this post does not represent formal legal advice and if you’re daft enough to rely on its content, on your own head be it. I can’t hide behind IANAL because I spent 22 years studying, training and practicing as a solicitor. When someone on the internet pontificates about legal matters without knowing what they’re talking about, they’ll often caveat their comments with the unfortunate acronym IANAL – I Am Not A Lawyer.

Well, like Prince said in the intro to “ Let’s Go Crazy”, “I’m here to tell you: there’s something else.” But according to accepted wisdom in literary circles, I’ve committed an unspeakable heresy by using that line of lyric without permission and/or paying Prince’s estate a licence fee. In the days after Prince’s death, some enterprising soul designed it, advertised it and sold it for profit. As far as I’m aware that person is not currently serving a spell at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

My t-shirt is not official Prince merchandise. That’s what the t-shirt I’m wearing says. It’s also, of course, a line from Prince’s song “Purple Rain”. I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain.

Where were you now that i need you lyrics