Music and Lyrics
Sound Recording
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN COPYRIGHT ENDS?
PUBLIC DOMAIN
When copyright ends, a song or recording is no longer protected by copyright and can be used by anyone.
This is called public domain.
Songs in the public domain can be used by anyone.
Example: The MUSIC AND LYRICS TO THE “Happy Birthday” song was under copyright until 2016
Now it’s free for everyone to sing anywhere.
The Journey of a Song
The song Black Betty originated as an African American work song
The music and lyrics are in the public domain – anyone can perform them.
Many artists have recorded their own versions over the years – and each one has its own copyright.
1939 - lead belly
This recording is no longer protected by copyright and entered the public domain in 2009.
but Just because the music and lyrics are in the public domain...... doesn't mean the recording is
1977 - Ram jam
This recording won’t enter the public domain until 2048.
Ram Jam also wrote their own material for their version including the main guitar riff and arrangement – so they also have exclusive rights on some of the music.
2004 - spiderbait
While the music and lyrics to Black Betty are in the public domain, Spiderbait’s recording of Black Betty remains protected by copyright until 2074.
and .....JUST BECAUSE A RECORDING IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN...... DOESN'T MEAN THE MUSIC AND LYRICS ARE
frank sinatra
This recording of In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning enters the public domain in Australia in 2026.
But the song’s music and lyrics are protected until 2073.
Songwriter David Mann died in 2002.
Copyright lasts 70 years after death → 2002 + 70 = 2072.
This means the copyright ends on 1 January 2073.
REMEMBER: Copyright applies separately to The song (music and lyrics), and the recording of that song so always check both!
SONGS ENTERING THE PUBLIC DOMAIN IN 2025
Here’s a playlist of songs (music and lyrics) that entered the public domain in 2025…. but it doesn’t mean that the sound recording is!
Finding public domain recordings in australia
Want to use a recording that entered the public domain?
There are lots available online.
Look for
- Recordings published in 1954 or earlier (entered Public Domain in 2025 in Australia)
- Clear copyright info or public domain tags
