Rules for use of quotation marks when paraphrasing quotes, song lyrics etc., for a humorus effect in a cartoon caption.
When a person/writer paraphrases published quotations or song lyrics, changing a few words of the original work for an attempt at a humorus effect purpose, should the writer paraphrasing put everything in quotations to avoid plagiarism?
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Some references to popular songs would count as "fair use". For example, Sir Terry Pratchett, in his novel Soul Music (which is all about Rock) makes references to multiple Rock songs.
For example, there's a song called "Sioni Bod Da", which translates from Welsh as "Johnny be good", and references Chuck Berry's song "Johnny B. Goode". The character who sings it also has the line "I can feel it. Every day. It's getting closer...", referencing Buddy Holly's song Everyday: "Everyday, it's a-gettin' closer / Goin' faster than a roller coaster". (You can see a full list of references here.)
In no place does Pratchett give a list of "those are the songs I referenced" - it's for readers to piece together the references, and have a good laugh when they recognise them. (Or stare blankly when a reference goes over their heads.)
Making hidden references to real-world stuff is the fuel much of the Discworld runs on - it's what Terry Pratchett does. It's humorous, and the quotes are never extended (in fact often there's no exact quote at all).
That said, I would recommend checking with a legal practitioner what is covered by "fair use", and what isn't.
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