A song usually contains at least two copyright layers. The composition covers the music and lyrics. A sound recording covers a particular recorded performance.
When the composition enters the public domain, anyone may be able to perform and record that composition, subject to the rules where the use occurs. That does not make an existing commercial recording free to copy.
The 1924 composition Rhapsody in Blue and the 1924 Paul Whiteman recording illustrate the split. Their United States terms follow different legal paths even though the title and year match.
Arrangements can add another layer. A new orchestration can protect original choices in that arrangement without restoring copyright in the underlying composition.
Reviewed 2026-09-11. This guide is a research aid, not legal advice.