Is the Music Industry Holding Your Words Hostage?

I woke up this morning and got myself a....wait...I was going to say gun, but apparently I can't do that. If I had finished that sentence as I intended, I would be quoting from the opening theme song to the Sopranos. Besides the legal action that could result in, I have no desire for Steven Van Zandt to show up on my doorstep to make me an offer I can't refuse. Well, I'm kidding about the Steven Van Zandt because of his Sopranos role, but I'm serious about the legal action. That's how tightly the music industry guards their intellectual property.

I wanted to write a blog entry about Tim McGraw's song "The Cowboy In Me" and how deeply I relate to the songs lyrics. Unfortunately, I did a little fair use research and learned that I'm legally prohibited from quoting them verbatim. However, I am allowed to paraphrase and say that I can relate to sometimes being self-destructive and not understanding why. I also understand feeling restless and unsettled even though I have a pretty good life. And, I'm sure my partner can attest to my occasional heart of s
tone and tell you what I've done for foolish pride.

There now, wasn't that awkward? It's as difficult for me to explain my point as it for you to understand why the song has so much meaning for me. Why? Because I can't quote the lyrics! Even in the blogosphere, you're subject to the same rights and restrictions any other author faces. If you're not willing to take my word for it, do a Google search for "legal action for using song lyrics in your blog". You'll find first hand stories from people who've run into very real problems from quoting song lyrics.

I understand the music industry's aggressive stance against music file sharing. I don't like it, but I can see their point. But, what is the benefit of not allowing a writer to quote song lyrics if they're properly credited? Who benefits from that? The lyrics aren't being stolen, just quoted. If you quote a passage from a best-selling writer, are you stealing their entire novel? It's ridiculous to assume that the written word is somehow detracting from a musician's song. If anything, including song lyrics in your writing raises the profile of the artist because at least some of your audience is likely read the lyrics and decided they want to hear the song for themselves.

But, that's an idea far too radical for the music industry to process.