Quick question about #Rule 3

Personally I wouldn't think it a problem. 

I'd just say Sweet Caroline to save the word count, but yeah, that should be fine. Plus, the editor and copyeditor would have the final say before publication.

Er, you're thinking legally. Yeah, that's fine (I'm not a lawyer). Probably falls under fair use.

What is fair use copyright?

In its most general sense, a fair use is any copying of copyrighted material done for a limited and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

Posted by: @sleeplessinschnitzel

Rule 3 - All entries must be original works by the entrant, in English. Plagiarism, which includes the use of third-party poetry, song lyrics, characters or another person’s universe, without written permission, will result in disqualification. 

Song lyrics are specifically mentioned, but would including the title of a song count as plagiarism? If I wanted to casually mention that Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline was playing in an Alien bar or something, would this break the rules? I'm pushing an 'old memories of earth' vibe, and would like to use a song that would be recognised by most readers rather than a made-up one. Saves me from telling the reader, 'X song from Earth circa X year', if that makes sense. What are people's thoughts?

The title of a song is not the lyrics. You should be fine, you’re not in violation of WotF’s rules. Quoting lyrics is another matter. Even Weird Al pays the songwriter for rights before he parodies.