Copyright Question

Suppose I wrote a song in 1975 and in 2003 a publisher says they want to publish it. Does it really matter what I give them as the date of creation? I mean, it's my song. If I want to say I wrote it in 2001, why not? And if later on after it's the biggest hit on the new millenium, I say 'oh, I actually wrote that song back in 1975.' How would they affect ME? Would I lose some protections, would they hunt me down, would I be hung in a place of shame at the LOC? What's the big deal?

It wouldn't matter, until you register it, it's hard to prove when you actually wrote it. Unless somone stoled your song and registered it before you did it wouldn't affect you at all.

Copyright the original 1975 *and* copyright your new version or arrangement 2003. Just keep both versions at hand for verification, if needed. It's mostly a matter of staking your claim, or claims in this case, so the earlier the date, the better. But your new 'version' need only be different in your own mind, as far as your newer copyright. If you want to make it official, document your changes, even if only a few notes or words different, which is likely to be the case anyway.