Jane,

I've read the above responses to your conundrum. First of all, I'm no expert in the copyright law. You have some great advice above from others more familiar with the subject than myself.

Here is my two cents: Now I write both lyrics and compose my own music--the latter being my better suit IMO. Thusly, in my case the music inspires/influences my lyrics. I have collabed with lyricists a few times, and yes the lyrics may influence melody mood or vibe........but that's NOT IMO creating melody. Whether you're creating a happy bouncy melody, or a somber melody of despair--it's still YOUR melody that comes from within your own experiences/influences in which you "draw" upon--just as an actor "draws" upon to create a character. Having the lyrics "influence" the melody is fine, and normal--but I can't see how that gives license to shared ownership as the two are still different "animals."

I'd just say this to your lyricist, I'm going forward with production, I'd be happy to use your lyrics and I'll take care of upcoming production costs (give him that in writing). If he still says he's not interested, then he has some other reason that he doesn't want to collab or maybe he just doesn't like the melody with his lyrics? If he's not in, find another lyricist and move on--we all tend to like what we've sometimes first heard, but if your melody is a good one--there are hundreds lyric options for you. You can also use the same lyrical theme, and mention that to a lyricist.

Lastly, as Fde pointed out, really.......what are the chances of success? If you hit it big with the song, unless you actually used your former collab's lyrics, I doubt that he would have legal recourse, and if he did, the worst would probably be sharing royalties which at least you could say--you did it! I'm sure he'd want to collab the next time around as well! Honestly, I'd move on myself, as having a positive co-writing relationship would be important to me, and there definitely are other lyrics for your song. Remember, with popular music, melody is the "song's train, lyrics are the passengers." I'm not saying that lyrics aren't important at all, but am saying they won't ever be heard if they don't have a successful train........It is more possible to hear a great melody with average or even poor lyrics on the radio, than to hear a horrible boring melody with great lyrics--music wakes the "soul," our brains listen to the lyrics.


steady-eddie