legal question

**bluesology** · April 5th, 2013

I wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone is informed on the issue (Ms. Mod you might able to speak to this) - I am planning on self publishing a collection of short stories late this year or early next. One of the stories is loosely based on a Tom waits song. I have emailed his label to try and be on the safe side but does my understanding sound correct that as long as I'm not directly quoting anything from the song, there is not a copyright issue involved? I was planning on attributing the song as inspiring the story - just to be respectful.

Does this sound proper and/or correct? Just curious about other opinions - thanks in advance.

Chad

ps - Ms Mod sorry if this is not the proper board to post this topic - I wasn't quite sure where to put it.

**Moderator** · April 8th, 2013

That is how Steve handles it for the most part, i.e. as long as you're not quoting from his work it's not a problem, but I'm not a lawyer and can't give you legal advice particularly when it doesn't apply to something that Stephen wrote.

**Sepia and Dust** · April 8th, 2013

Loosely based is fine, since you said that you're not including any actual lyrics. You're basically using an idea, which is not copyrightable.

I am not an attorney. More importantly, I am not your attorney, and this should not be considered legal advice.

**GNTLGNT** · 4 Weeks Ago

**nygene40** · 4 Weeks Ago

Make sure and gargle with broken glass before you do any in store readings!

**Autumn Gust** · 4 Weeks Ago

A story based loosely on a Tom Waits song? I wanna read it! His songs are poetry set to music. Can you share which song it is or will I have to wait and buy the book?

**bluesology** · 4 Weeks Ago

The story was inspired by Big Joe and Phantom 309 from the Nighthawks at the Diner album. I have looked a little further into it and discovered it actually isn't his song - although I think he added some of his own lyrics.