What is Cover Song?
Also called: cover, cover version
A cover song is a new recording or performance of a song written by someone else. The composition still belongs to its writers, so releasing a cover means paying them mechanical royalties.
In the United States, once a song has been released, anyone can record and release a cover without asking, through a compulsory mechanical license, as long as they pay the set royalty and do not fundamentally change the song. Other countries handle this through their own licensing systems.
Changing the lyrics or translating them into another language goes further than a standard cover and usually needs permission from the publisher.
Covers posted on video platforms are a separate case, because video use needs a sync license, which platforms often handle through their own agreements with publishers.
Put it to work
Translate lyrics so they still fit the melody, for covers in another language.
Translate Lyrics