As mentioned PD is defined differently in many countries. The US has about the most stringent rules and most folks misinterpret them thinking a PD sound recording is the same as a PD lyric and melody.

Every Jan 1 is "PD Day" in the US. And the PD available songs move forward one year. This started several years ago. For 2025 songs from 1929 and older are PD.

This means that if you create your own version not copying anybody else's you own ALL rights to the song thus meeting PG Musics protocol.
Most folks do not consider a properly vetted PD song to be a cover. Covers have to be licensed and are not allowed on the forum.

We have released entire albums of PD songs. Again this applies to your use of the melody and lyric. Actual audio recordings of old songs have to be a bit older but this is not what we are addressing here as this is mostly related to using one film, etc. The below safe link is helpful.

https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/publicdomainday/2025/

Have fun!!

J&B

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