What Is a Song?

Defining a song might seem straightforward to music fans, involving melodies and lyrics. However, in copyright law, this becomes complex, illustrated by numerous lawsuits involving famous artists. The legal battles often focus on whether a song's essence is captured by its recorded sounds or the original composed notes.

A notable case involved Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye's estate, debating over originality and copyright boundaries. The jury had to consider if the musical elements in question were distinctive copyrighted work or generic components available to all artists, ultimately siding with Sheeran. This trial highlighted the ongoing legal challenge of pinpointing what exactly is protected under copyright in a song.