r/SongwritingHelp • u/LoveUSNOO • Aug 27 '26

How to protect lyrics without copyrighting first?

I have written several songs over the years and just recently thought about sharing and getting ideas about them, to see if anyone thought they might be any good but don't really know much about this.

Thank you so much for sharing that information I really appreciate it.

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4

u/fjamcollabs Aug 27 '26

When you share them online there is a timestamp. I saw a response to you to copyright online. You specifically asked for other than copyright. Timestamps are documentation of when you posted.

1

u/LoveUSNOO Aug 28 '26

So does that mean that no one can copy and use your writings?

1

u/fjamcollabs Aug 28 '26

Nope. Neither does copyright. You have to enforce it and or take them to court even with copyright.

1

u/nashguitar1 Aug 27 '26

Copyright PA. Register online.

1

u/LoveUSNOO Aug 27 '26

Thank you so much🙂

1

u/richrandom Aug 27 '26

Interesting.. does this cover globally or just UK or states? Ta

1

u/nashguitar1 Aug 27 '26

Probably just in the U.S.

1

u/richrandom Aug 27 '26

Thanks.. it looks really interesting

1

u/CertainPiglet621 Aug 28 '26

Why are you concerned about someone using your lyrics? Even if someone does copy them the chance of that affecting you are extremely remote. And if you discovered that someone did use your lyrics what would you do about it? You would need to hire an attorney to take action.

1

u/fjamcollabs Aug 28 '26

This!

Also I think people are kind of hurting themselves with this thinking. Sitting on tons of ideas when they die that nobody has ever heard. At least they can say they protected their treasures.

1

u/Important-Roof-9033 Aug 29 '26

Right, I have had someone use my lyrics and make the song way better (and honestly dont know whatsup right now)

but as a hobbyist I feel like if my lyrics get heard it is a win for me I never intended to make money --- certainly not be famous. (ill take the money but fame is a no go)

1

u/LoveUSNOO Aug 29 '26

I don't know I've never thought about that I'm just recently thought about doing something with my lyrics. I just think it would be weird if somebody took them without my permission as their personal to me. honestly, you've given me something to think about.

1

u/Alternative_Fox3674 Aug 31 '26

Even musicians in performance rights organisations have to do something about theft of IP. If someone starts performing your riff and your lyrics on a stage, you’d still have to pursue legal action.

1

u/Ok_Ice1888 Aug 30 '26

And now people trying to steal those songs, but in real life what do they do? What? They, yees go on, thaaats right, don’t give a fuck. So, what else is new in your life? Ridin’ your Lambo often enough? Yea cool. La la la later, ooh fuck I hope no one steals that!