Is "You Are My Sunshine" copyrighted?

[Solstice]

I intend to use some of the lyrics from the song "You Are My Sunshine" for a short script I intend to write, but I could not find out whether the lyrics are copyrighted are not.

I was wondering if anyone might know? Thanks.

 

[Dreadylocks]

The only things for sure that are public domain right now are works created before 1895 or works whose authors died before 1945.
https://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm

One of the writers of You Are My Sunshine was alive until the year 2000 so I think it's a pretty safe bet that it will remain under copyright for another 55 years.

 

[Mike Marino]

I know you can do a music search on ASCAP's website to see what's copyrighted and what's not. Maybe try to search on the SCL (Society of Composer & Lyricists) or shoot them an email. I'm sure they'd be happy to help.