A 'song' consists of a 'lyric' and the 'melody' to which it is sung. Whoever 'wrote' the lyric and whoever 'wrote' the melody is the copyright owner, from the moment these two components are put into fixed form, written, recorded.

Those two components, however simply joined, a simple a capella recording, or written in words and music notation, can be registered with the copyright office.

All else is arrangement, the instruments, the production, vocalization, backup singers, recordings, etc. The contract for those services can spell out the deal, work-for-hire, usage, etc.

What kind of deal the copyright owner wishes to strike with a producer or publisher or artist's management is up to them. Everything should be spelled out, including duration of the deal, in a formal written contract.

There will always be another song to be written. Someone will write it. Why not you? www.garyeandrews.com