Playing Fair with Music Lyrics

There's only one way

      to publish favorite lyrics

for money

      and that's critical review

according to Copyright Act

      section 107

What's said and used must

       be transformative

not merely derivative

        according to U.S. courts

If changing Woo Hoo, woo hoo hoo

        from the 5, 6, 7, 8s

to Wooo Whooo, Wooo Whooo

        that's merely derivative

But if saying "I never heard

        such a stupid thing as Woo Hoo,"

that's opinion

        which can't be challenged

Even tho

        I've probably called it out

once or twice hailing a friend

        but women seem to do that

more than men

        or is it "You Who?"

Whether publishing opinion

       for commercial gain

or not

So here goes, although

       admitting I hate

criticizing popular music or

       classic rocks favorites

Don't like callin' out

       musicians and singers

they work hard and good

        at what they write and sing and play

so deserve their

        sweat from labors

and box office proceeds

Sing along and hum and tap with

       Billy Joel and the

       Beatles and

Stones songs for three

Each free on MS Media Player

       every morn

But can't sell any, any, lyrics

      to make money for me,

that would be illegal

      would get sued for sure

because record labels and Tom Petty

       are ruthless

They sued Robin Thicke

       and Pharrell Williams

just to name two who lost

       over three stupid notes

to "earn" free money for

       lawyers and studios

Publishing one's exact words

      a big "No no"

causing loss of assets

      for sure

as other writers horror stories

      by Writers Beware shows

We're forced to ask some

       unknown or most popular

author or publisher for

       permission

Hard to get easily

      for all the hullabaloo and

          woo hoo,

these assholes cause

Original prose poem by Rodney Richards 7-4-15