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Should I use original lyrics instead of what the singer is singing?
Autor vlákna: Nixide
Nixide
Nixide
Singapur
Local time: 07:57
Aug 5, 2017

Hello, this is my first post here, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, if it's not, please move it to the right place.

I'm trying to subtitle a song cover, however, the singer doing the cover sang differing lyrics compared to the original, on multiple occasions.
Should be using the original lyrics or the lyrics the singer is singing? The cover was not explicitly stated as modified in any way, and I cannot contact the singer who sang the cover.
<... See more
Hello, this is my first post here, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, if it's not, please move it to the right place.

I'm trying to subtitle a song cover, however, the singer doing the cover sang differing lyrics compared to the original, on multiple occasions.
Should be using the original lyrics or the lyrics the singer is singing? The cover was not explicitly stated as modified in any way, and I cannot contact the singer who sang the cover.

Thanks in advance for any help. ▲ Collapse
 
Jan Truper
Jan Truper  Identity Verified
Německo
Local time: 01:57
Člen (2016)
angličtina -> němčina
... Aug 5, 2017

Nixide wrote:

Hello, this is my first post here, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, if it's not, please move it to the right place.

I'm trying to subtitle a song cover, however, the singer doing the cover sang differing lyrics compared to the original, on multiple occasions.
Should be using the original lyrics or the lyrics the singer is singing? The cover was not explicitly stated as modified in any way, and I cannot contact the singer who sang the cover.

Thanks in advance for any help.


Not sure what the context is here, but usually the subtitles should reflect what is being heard in the video.
 
Kevin Fulton
Kevin Fulton  Identity Verified
Spojené státy americké
Local time: 19:57
němčina -> angličtina
Depends on the song Aug 5, 2017

If the song was a big hit in the country where the target language is spoken, you might want to use the original lyrics. Otherwise, just translate the lyrics that are sung.
 
Nixide
Nixide
Singapur
Local time: 07:57
AUTOR TÉMATU
Reply Aug 5, 2017

Jan Truper wrote:

Nixide wrote:

Hello, this is my first post here, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, if it's not, please move it to the right place.

I'm trying to subtitle a song cover, however, the singer doing the cover sang differing lyrics compared to the original, on multiple occasions.
Should be using the original lyrics or the lyrics the singer is singing? The cover was not explicitly stated as modified in any way, and I cannot contact the singer who sang the cover.

Thanks in advance for any help.


Not sure what the context is here, but usually the subtitles should reflect what is being heard in the video.


What kind of context information would help?
 
Nixide
Nixide
Singapur
Local time: 07:57
AUTOR TÉMATU
Reply Aug 5, 2017

Kevin Fulton wrote:

If the song was a big hit in the country where the target language is spoken, you might want to use the original lyrics. Otherwise, just translate the lyrics that are sung.


Thanks!
 
Juan Jacob
Juan Jacob  Identity Verified
Mexiko
Local time: 17:57
francouzština -> španělština
+ ...
No. Aug 5, 2017

1.- I don't -and a lot of us- translate song lyrics, except if they are directly involved in the storyline; 2.- If you have to do so, translate what is said.
Good luck.
 
Kay Denney
Kay Denney  Identity Verified
Francie
Local time: 01:57
francouzština -> angličtina
No Aug 6, 2017

You translate what is there, not what would normally be there.

If you could contact the singer you could ask why they don't sing the usual lyrics. You can't, so let's discuss the various possibilities:
- It could be a mistake, but even then, your duty as translator is to translate what was sung.
- It could be a matter of copyright issues, in which case you'll be getting the singer into trouble if you translate the original
- The modifications may even have been ... See more
You translate what is there, not what would normally be there.

If you could contact the singer you could ask why they don't sing the usual lyrics. You can't, so let's discuss the various possibilities:
- It could be a mistake, but even then, your duty as translator is to translate what was sung.
- It could be a matter of copyright issues, in which case you'll be getting the singer into trouble if you translate the original
- The modifications may even have been copyrighted, in which case you'll be getting into trouble with the singer if you don't translate their lyrics

The "multiple occasions" raises questions. Are you not translating one video in particular? Why are you looking at various videos? I mean, when I do stuff like this I invariably watch several if several are available (and will listen to the one I prefer while translating provided there are no differences such as those you have encountered) but I translate what I've been asked to translate. If I notice a problem I'll notify the client but I'll stick to what is actually sung unless otherwise instructed. ▲ Collapse
 
Gitte Hoveds (X)
Gitte Hoveds (X)
Dánsko
Local time: 01:57
dánština -> angličtina
+ ...
Ask your client Aug 7, 2017

In the end, it is your client's decision, isn't it?

Explain the options to them and let them decide.

This is not a right or wrong question, just a matter of preference.
 


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Should I use original lyrics instead of what the singer is singing?







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