The idea that old songs may be used free of charge is a popular misunderstanding. Many people believe that songs from many years in the past have entered the general public domain, meaning everyone can copy them, sample them, or use them in new works without getting permission. But things are more complex in real life. Sometimes, very old songs lose their copyright safety, but most songs made in the twentieth century keep their copyright protection for 70–95 years after they were first launched.
