Worship Musician November 2018 | Page 66

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