I am getting ready to do a short film and I plan on writing the music for the film myself. But there is this one song that is too perfect for the ending of the movie, and I could never write anything that will be equally perfect for the film. The song is “We’ll sing in the Sunshine”. I’m not sure who originally recorded the song but the version I have heard was from Peter, Paul & Mary. I would like to adapt the song and do my own version for the film.

My Question is;
Is there an online database or some resource that will help me determine if it will be legal for me to make my own arrangements and recordings of songs like this one without it being illegal or a violation of copyright laws?

I am talking about songs such as old hymns, folk songs, and other old songs. (ex. Amazing grace, Wayfaring Stranger, Michael Row the Boat Ashore, Where have all the Flowers Gone…)

Thanks.

http://www.pdinfo.com/ is a database of songs in public domain--that is, too old for anyone to slap a copyright on. If you can rerecord a song in public domain, you're free to use it.

I would make sure to go to both the ASCAP and BMI websites. You can search to see if anyone else holds the rights to the song.