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'Amish Paradise': A Parody Analysis

Decent Essays

The Supreme Court defined parody as “a literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or work for comic effect or ridicule .” Basically, parodies must comment upon or criticize the original work. Parodies can be considered as fair use but not all qualify as fair use, it is determined by a four-factor test in Section 107 of Copyright Law. Weird Al Yankovic (aka Weird Al) is most known for his success as a parodist, making light of songs by contemporary artists. Weird Al’s “Amish Paradise” parody faced some controversy regarding permission but the real issue is if it should be considered a parody at all. Parodies are often confused with satire, both involve the use of a copyrighted work but parodies criticize the original work and satire comments on something other than the original work such as society . Works of satire usually are not protected by the fair use defense whereas parodies have the potential to by protected by this defense. The four factors in Section 107 that determine fair use are (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature …show more content…

Weird Al’s parodies are popular songs to which new and humorous lyrics are set. His stylistic parodies employ humorous lyrics as well but instead of using actual songs, he emulates the style of popular artists . Weird Al has released 13 albums in 30 years with six going platinum and four earning gold. Weird Al has said that he pry’s on popular songs that have topped Billboard charts, made zeitgeist on radio and social media. The more popular the song, the easier it is for him to create cleaver imitations of a theme . After releasing songs, Weird Al normally releases a music video that coincides with the parody. In his “Amish Paradise” music video the concepts parodies the content of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”

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