I'm working on a new quiz and wondering if I can get away with quoting a song lyric that includes a word that rhymes with clam but starts with the letter after C. Any thoughts?

Ask a Music editor...they can tell you what is/is not allowed.

I suppose it would all depend on context. It is, after all, most difficult to write a quiz about the musical "Damn Yankees" without dropping the d-bomb. We have a quiz online where "Damn Yankees" is the title, so it's not strictly ruled out.

If it's used in a context where it is meant to offend, insult or convey strong negative emotions about a person (or people) it might not pass muster.

I would suggest messaging an editor in the category where you're writing your quiz (music?) and ask for an opinion on the specific lyrics that you wish to quote.

Hi LadyC. It's complicated. The quiz is not a music one, though the title (which I must use) is a song and I want to tie the title to the theme through a totally different song.
Sometimes even I don't understand what goes on in my own head.
I'll try your suggestion.