Can I Use My Immortal Lyrics Evanescence In A Cover Legally?

If you're planning to sing 'My Immortal' by 'Evanescence' and share it publicly, the short vibe is: yes, you can cover it, but there are specific rights and licenses to sort out depending on how and where you publish it. I spent a weirdly obsessive weekend once uploading covers from my cramped apartment — learned the hard way that music law and platform rules are their own beast, so here’s the practical roadmap I wish I’d had back then.

First, live performance: singing the song at an open mic or concert usually falls under the venue’s blanket performance license with performance rights organizations (like ASCAP/BMI/SESAC in the US). You don’t personally need to clear anything for the live performance, but the venue pays those fees. For recorded audio that you distribute (Spotify, Apple Music, digital download), you need a mechanical license. In the US there’s a compulsory mechanical license you can obtain once the song has been released commercially; services like the Harry Fox Agency’s Songfile, Loudr (older), DistroKid’s cover licensing tool, or Easy Song Licensing can help get that license and handle royalty payments.

Now the trickiest part: video. If you post a video of you singing to YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, that’s an audio-visual use and technically requires a sync license, which isn’t covered by the compulsory mechanical license. Many platforms have direct deals with publishers so your video might just be monetized or flagged through Content ID rather than immediately taken down — you’ll often see the publisher claim ad revenue. But don’t assume that’s permission; it’s more of a platform-level arrangement. Also, if you display or print the lyrics in your video or description, that’s reproducing the song’s text, and that definitely needs permission from the publisher (lyrics are protected separately). Likewise, if you want to change or translate the lyrics, you’re creating a derivative work and must get explicit permission from the rights holders (the song is credited to Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and David Hodges).

Practical steps I use now: 1) identify the publisher and songwriters via ASCAP/BMI/SESAC databases; 2) if just audio distribution, get a mechanical license via a cover-licensing service; 3) if posting video, check the platform’s guidance and be prepared for Content ID claims or contact the publisher for a sync license if you want clean use; 4) never print full lyrics without permission; and 5) if in doubt, ask the publisher — it’s safer and less headache than dealing with takedowns. I still love covering songs in my tiny living room, but a little paperwork makes the release smoother and keeps me out of copyright trouble.

I’ll put it plainly: singing 'My Immortal' live or posting a simple cover is doable, but you can’t always freely post and monetize recordings or videos without licenses. For audio distribution (streaming, downloads) you need a mechanical license — services like DistroKid, Songfile/Harry Fox Agency, or Easy Song Licensing can help secure that and pay the songwriter royalties. For videos (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) you’re into sync territory: many platforms have deals so your cover might be allowed but monetized by the publisher via Content ID; others may require you to get explicit permission.

A few quick warnings: reproducing the lyrics in text in your video/description usually requires separate permission, and translating or changing the lyrics needs the publisher’s OK because it’s a derivative work. If you’re unsure, look up the publishers via performance rights databases and reach out, or use a cover licensing service — it’s the safest route and keeps the creative fun alive without stress.