Talk:Low Bridge (song)

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[edit] Lyrics

The page included the lyrics to "Low Bridge." I think the lyrics should be removed because as per Wikipedia is not an indiscriminate collection of information. -- danntm 17:47, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

  • As a further note, WP:SONG recommends against posting lyrics unless we are certain that the song lyrics are in the public domain. I would like any input, advice anyone could provide. -- danntm 18:32, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
    • Because the song was written in 1905, the copyright has expired. All works published in the U.S. before 1923 are now in the public domain. By contrast, Springsteen's recording of the song will be protected by copyright for at least the next 70 years. See Cornell chart of copyright durations.

      I think that the lyrics should be included in the article because they help to identify the song. They're short, they're more useful than burdensome, and text is cheap. JD Lisa 04:04, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

I appreciate your concern. My main concern was that wikipedia is not a collection of primary source material, and to main consistency with other song articles that do not include the lyrics. However, the lyrics may certainly be included in wikisource. -- danntm T C 16:29, 24 December 2006 (UTC)
I respectfully disagree, because the most important goal of an encyclopedia is to provide comprehensive information on notable subjects, not to maintain consistency across all song articles. Furthermore, lyrics in the public domain are clearly permissible under Wikipedia policy and guidelines. WP:SONG says: "Do not include the song's entire lyrics... in the article unless you are certain they are in the public domain." Also, WP:NOT states that "...the article may not consist solely of the lyrics, but has to primarily contain information about authorship, date of publication, social impact, etc." This article complies with both of those policies. JD Lisa 22:24, 14 January 2007 (UTC)
  • Enthusiastic keep vote: This song is of high significance. It links with a channel for "opening to the West" [The Mid-West. It is a useful cultural component for school lessons on the Erie Canal. Dogru144 09:41, 23 March 2007 (UTC)
  • Is there a source that justifies the lyrics as quoted here? These lyrics differ from the lyrics at either of the two external sources referenced. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.34.38.148 (talk) 15:14, 23 January 2008 (UTC)
    Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the original 1905 text. I posted what appeared to be the consensus text based on a web search. Folk songs often have new verses added over time, and I think all verses in widespread use should be included here. If anyone has the original, maybe it should be given first position in the article, followed by any additional verses added by later musicians as part of the folk music process. JD Lisa (talk) 10:26, 9 February 2008 (UTC)