Using public domain poems and songs in your own music can be a creative and inspiring approach. Here are some guidelines to help you incorporate public domain material into your songwriting:
Understanding Public Domain:
Public domain refers to works whose original copyright has expired. In many countries, copyright expires 70 years after the death of the copyright holder. For example, in the United States, copyright expires 75 years after a work is composed.
Always verify the copyright status before assuming a song is in the public domain. Different countries have varying copyright laws, so research is essential.
Why Use Public Domain Songs?:
Melodies from public domain songs can serve as a valuable resource for songwriters. While presentation and production styles have evolved, the structure of melodies remains relatively consistent.
Notable examples include Simon & Garfunkel’s hit “Scarborough Fair,” which borrows a melody from the 19th century, and Eric Carmen’s songs “All By Myself” and “Never Gonna Fall In Love Again,” which use melodies from composer Rachmaninoff.
Finding Public Domain Songs:
Explore resources like the Public Domain Information Project website for basic information about public domain songs.
Public libraries often house collections of folk songs and traditional melodies. The Reference section in libraries can be a treasure trove for songwriters.
Be cautious with online searches; ensure accuracy when identifying public domain songs.
Using Public Domain Melodies:
Treat a public domain song as a songwriting partner providing you with a melody.
Consider these approaches:
Harmonize the Melody: Take the melody and harmonize it in your own way. If you need help choosing chords, refer to resources on harmonizing melodies.
Combine with Original Material: Compose your own verse melody and use a public domain song as the basis for your chorus.
Lyrics Flexibility: There’s no requirement to use the original lyrics that accompany the melody.
