Can I Use Lyrics Moves Like Jagger Maroon 5 In A Video?

I get why you’d want to drop a line from 'Moves Like Jagger' into a video — it’s catchy, iconic, and immediately paints a mood. Legally speaking, though, lyrics are protected: the words themselves are a copyrighted literary work and the music is a separate right. If you use the original recording you need permission from the record label (a master license) and from the song’s publisher for the composition (a sync license). Even if you sing the song yourself, pairing those lyrics with visuals still usually needs a sync license from the publisher — mechanical licenses don’t cover synchronization to video. I learned this the hard way once when a dance clip I posted with a full chorus got a Content ID claim; the rights holder monetized it and it was blocked in some countries until I swapped the track.

For practical steps: check the song’s rights via ASCAP/BMI/SESAC to find the publisher, ask for a sync license (expect a fee, especially for commercial use), contact the label for a master license if you want the original recording, or use licensed lyric-display services like LyricFind if you’re showing lines on screen. If this is small, experimental content, you might get away with platform-licensed clips (TikTok/Instagram often have library deals), but that’s not guaranteed for displaying lyrics. If you plan to monetize or keep the video public permanently, getting permission is the safest route — or pick royalty-free music and be creative with original lines inspired by the vibe of 'Moves Like Jagger'. That route avoids headaches and keeps your project clean.