BETTER BY SUNDAY w/ CCLI
CHANGING LYRICS TO FIT YOUR VIBE | Paul Herman
WHATEVER YOUR REASONS… DON’T DO IT. People asked about arrangements. “Can Others asked about the trend of adding
UNLESS YOU HAVE PERMISSION. we repeat choruses, repeat verses, add sections to hymns, for example, “Amazing
instrumental sections, start with the bridge, Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” That’s totally
As the Content Creator here at CCLI, I belong etc?” The answer is yes. You may also choose fine, if the hymn is in “public domain” or in other
to two different Facebook Worship Leader to omit sections, which might be an easy words, no longer has copyright protection.
groups: Worship Leaders + and Worship solution to a theological issue you may have Leader Collective. Sometimes the topic of with a lyric.
But for me, one of the comments might qualify
changing lyrics comes up - usually to fit a for my favorite FaceBook moment ever. I’ve
particular theology or perspective. often said that churches find remarkably
You may also
Sentiment is often split. Some advocate for
creative ways to break the law. But now I’m
convinced that they’re even more creative
choose to omit
a lyric free-for-all, while others preach strict
adherence to the writer’s original intent.
at workarounds. Here’s the most unique
workaround I’ve ever heard:
sections, which
Last time I was asked to weigh in from a CCLI
perspective, here’s what I said:
We all have our opinions, but the law remains
the law. Some of you asked about the law
itself. Copyright owners have six exclusive
might be an A Commenter said:
easy solution “So I’m new to this whole worship leading
to a theological copyright laws and stuff… We have a guy who
issue you may
rights to their works, and “derivative works” is
#2. Changing a lyric would be considered a
plays the rams horn. I could have him blow
it really loud every time we get to the word [I
don’t feel comfortable with] and then people
have with a
derivative work and can only legally be done
thing and I know there’s a lot of talk about
wouldn’t be led astray. Is this OK? Like legally
with the permission of the copyright owner. lyric... You just I’m not breaking any laws, right?”
Then I referenced the actual copyright law. If can’t change Nope. Legally you’re fine. Beyond that, I have
you’re interested, here’s the link.
no words.
a lyric without
As Facebook comments often do, the reaction
permission.
spun off in a number of different directions.
Of course, John Mark McMillan’s and David
Crowder’s versions of “How He Loves” came You
up. That one’s easy. David asked John for permission. It’s really that straightforward.
just
can’t
change
a
lyric
without
permission to make the change from “sloppy
wet” to “unforeseen,” and John granted Other
permission. So, our SongSelect sheet music Yes, that also requires permission. But the
gives you the option either way. For a bit more good news for churches that have our CCLI
detail, you can reference an earlier article of Copyright License is, our license covers you
mine on the subject, entitled “Versions.” for that, provided there is no published version
people
available.
66
November 2018
asked
about
translations.
Paul Herman
As a songwriter, worship leader and team member,
and serves as CCLI’s Content Creator in the U.S.
Service Center in Vancouver, Washington.
WorshipMusician.com