The Most Popular Non-Copyrighted Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the non-copyrighted song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:44
In a world brimming with musical creativity, non-copyrighted songs hold a special place, allowing artists to share their work freely and fans to enjoy it without restriction. This ever-growing pool of music offers an eclectic mix, from rising indie hits to timeless acoustic melodies. By ranking these songs, listeners can more easily find tracks that resonate with their tastes and perhaps discover their next favorite tune.
Your votes help shape the continuously updating list, making it a reflection of what is truly cherished by the community of music lovers. Each click not only uplifts a song but also supports the artists behind them, offering encouragement to keep creating and sharing their art. Dive into this dynamic collection and help decide which songs deserve the spotlight.
What Is the Most Popular Non-copyrighted Song?
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153votesThis song is widely recognized as the most popular non-copyrighted song. It was originally written in 1893 and is now considered to be in the public domain.Happy Birthday to You is a widely recognized and popular song used to celebrate birthdays. It is sung to honor someone on their special day and is typically accompanied by the presentation and cutting of a birthday cake.
- Year of creation: 1893
- Melody composers: Mildred J. Hill and Patty Smith Hill
- Lyricist: Patty Smith Hill (disputed)
- Language: English
- Duration: Around 15-20 seconds
Happy Birthday to You in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular birthday song
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous song in the world
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous tune
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237votes
Scott Joplin · Public domainThe Entertainer
Scott JoplinThis classic ragtime composition was written by Scott Joplin in 1902 and is now part of the public domain. It has been used in numerous films and TV shows.The Entertainer is a ragtime piano composition that became one of the most famous tunes in the world. It is often associated with lively, upbeat, and syncopated music of the early 20th century.- Genre: Ragtime
- Length: Approximately 4 minutes
- Key: C major
- Meter: 2/4 time signature
- Year of composition: 1902
The Entertainer in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous tune
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316votesThis traditional English folk song dates back to the 16th century and has been covered by many artists. It is now in the public domain.Greensleeves is a traditional English folk song that is widely recognized for its beautiful melody and lyrics. It is a popular tune that has been performed and recorded by numerous artists in various genres.
- Genre: Folk
- Language: English
- Time Signature: 3/4
- Key: E minor
- Melody: Complex and haunting
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416votes
Stephen Foster · Public domainOh Susanna
Stephen FosterThis American folk song was written by Stephen Foster in 1848 and is now in the public domain. It has been covered by many artists over the years.Oh Susanna is a popular American folk song that has become a popular standard. It was composed by Stephen Foster in 1848 and is known for its catchy melody and simple lyrics. The song tells the story of a man who is traveling to seek his fortune during the California Gold Rush. Oh Susanna has remained a beloved song throughout the years and has been recorded by numerous artists in various musical styles.- Year of composition: 1848
- Genre: American folk song
- Lyricist: Stephen Foster
- Melody: Catchy and upbeat
- Story: Man traveling during the California Gold Rush
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56votes
Camptown Races
Stephen FosterAnother popular Stephen Foster song, "Camptown Races" was written in 1850 and is now in the public domain. It has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley.Camptown Races is a popular non-copyrighted song that originated in the United States during the mid-19th century. It is a lively and catchy tune that is often associated with American folk music and minstrelsy. The song's upbeat and repetitive melody, along with its playful lyrics, make it a favorite for community sing-alongs and children's songs. The song tells the story of a horse race, bringing about a sense of excitement and fun.- Genre: American folk music
- Date of creation: 1850s
- Composer: Stephen Foster
- Lyricist: Stephen Foster
- Length: Approximately 2 minutes
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612votes
Goh wz · Public domainThis traditional American song has been around since the mid-18th century and is now in the public domain. It has been used in many movies and TV shows.Yankee Doodle is a popular American patriotic song dating back to the 18th century. It is often associated with the United States and has become a symbol of American pride. The melody is catchy and upbeat, making it a favorite for parades and celebrations.- Genre: Patriotic, Folk
- Year of Composition: Late 18th century
- Language: English
- Subject Matter: Mocking British troops during the American Revolution
- Musical Key: D Major
Yankee Doodle in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular patriotic song
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75votesThis American folk song has been around since the early 19th century and is now in the public domain. It has been used in many cartoons and commercials.Turkey in the Straw is a traditional American folk song that originated in the early 19th century. It is often associated with various forms of entertainment, including minstrel shows, square dances, and ice cream trucks. The tune is catchy and has a lively, upbeat tempo, making it popular for dancing and sing-alongs. It is often played on instruments like the fiddle, banjo, and piano.
- Genre: Folk
- Year of Origin: Early 19th century
- Associated Entertainment: Minstrel shows, square dances, ice cream trucks
- Popular Instruments: Fiddle, banjo, piano
- Usage: Dancing, sing-alongs
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87votes
John Newton · Public domainThis Christian hymn was written by John Newton in the late 18th century and is now in the public domain. It has been covered by many artists and is often sung at funerals.Amazing Grace is a timeless Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message of redemption and grace. It is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved hymns in the Christian tradition. The song's lyrics express gratitude for God's mercy and forgiveness, and its haunting melody evokes a sense of solace and peace.- Lyrics: The song's lyrics are deeply reflective and explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace.
- Melody: The melody of Amazing Grace is simple yet profound, with a gentle and contemplative quality that resonates with listeners.
- Popularity: Amazing Grace is widely recognized and cherished by people of diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs, making it one of the most universally loved Gospel songs.
- Historical Significance: The song played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, serving as an anthem of hope and freedom for enslaved African Americans.
- Authenticity: The emotional honesty and personal testimonial nature of the lyrics have contributed to the enduring popularity and impact of Amazing Grace.
Amazing Grace in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Catholic hymn
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Baptist hymn
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular philosophy scent
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Gospel hymn
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular wedding hymn
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful song to sing
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911votesThis traditional American gospel song has been around since the early 20th century and is now in the public domain. It has been covered by many artists, including Louis Armstrong.When the Saints Go Marching In is a widely recognized spiritual hymn that has become synonymous with the celebration of Mardi Gras. Its lively melody and uplifting lyrics evoke a sense of joy and celebration.
- Genre: Gospel / Jazz
- Year of Creation: Unknown (Traditional folk song)
- Language: English
- Origin: United States
- Popularized by: Louis Armstrong
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103votes
Bbaker516 · Public domainThis Scottish folk song is traditionally sung on New Year's Eve and is now in the public domain. It has been covered by many artists and is often used in movies and TV shows.Auld Lang Syne is a traditional Scottish folk song that is often sung during New Year's Eve celebrations as well as at the end of various events and occasions. The song carries a sentimental and nostalgic tone, reflecting on friendships and memories of the past.- Genre: Scottish folk song
- Lyrics Language: Scots language
- Melody: Based on a traditional folk tune
- Theme: Nostalgia, friendship, and the passage of time
- Significance: Often associated with farewells and endings
Auld Lang Syne in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous song in the world
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous tune
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Bagpipe song
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular song played on Bagpipes
Missing your favorite non-copyrighted song?
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Ranking factors for popular non-copyrighted song
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Number of plays or viewsCounting the number of streams or views on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or SoundCloud can help gauge the popularity of a song. The higher the number of plays, the more popular the song.
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Social media engagementAnalyzing the number of likes, comments, and shares on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok can help you see how popular a song is on social media platforms.
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Public performanceIf a song is frequently played in public places such as bars, clubs, or restaurants, it might indicate its popularity.
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Chart performanceLook for the song's position on music charts like the Billboard Hot 100, iTunes charts, or other regional or genre-specific charts. The higher the position, the more popular the song.
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Covers and remixesThe number of covers or remixes by other artists can be an indicator of a song's popularity, as they may not cover it if it isn't well-known.
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Cultural impactIf a song has had a significant impact on society or has inspired trends, challenges, or memes, this can be a sign of popularity.
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Earned mediaReviews, mentions, and features in print and online publications, radio shows, podcasts, or television programs can indicate a song's popularity.
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Public opinionWord-of-mouth or conversations around the song can also help to determine its popularity.
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Influencer endorsementsIf influential figures or celebrities endorse a song, either offline or online, this may increase its popularity.
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Awards and accoladesSongs that have won awards or received critical acclaim can signify their popularity in a broader context.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular non-copyrighted song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or non-copyrighted song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1911 views
- 164 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each non-copyrighted song once every 24 hours. The rank of each non-copyrighted song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular non-copyrighted song
Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. It has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and even bring people together. However, with the rise of technology, creating and sharing music has become easier than ever before. As a result, copyright laws have become increasingly important in protecting the rights of musicians and artists.
Non-copyrighted music, on the other hand, refers to music that is not protected by copyright laws. This means that anyone can use and distribute the music without permission or paying royalties to the creator. Non-copyrighted music is often used in videos, podcasts, and other forms of media where copyright restrictions can limit creativity and expression.
With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which non-copyrighted song is the most popular. At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of users to help answer this question. From classic instrumental pieces to modern pop hits, our polls showcase a wide range of non-copyrighted music that has captured the hearts of music lovers around the world.
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