The original work is what gets copyrighted. So to translate it into a different language is not a problem.

There might be a grey area as Noel suggests, however, if you don't use the translated version, and alter it to fit the groove of the song you are writing, you should be well within the safe area. Most poems do not translate to song lyrics directly. Most require some sort of adaption to make it work as a song and if you are coming from another language.... absolutely.

Why not consider the original language and then your version of the translated into English version? There are a number of songs that come to mind that have both languages in them. Even doing the same verse in the original and English....

This>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu9MoFrwqgg However, the Spanish singing is NOT what they are showing on the screen. Not even close. If they were trying to translate it, they failed big time. But the point it the 2 languages used together.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/09/20 04:15 AM.
You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.