The Public Domain in the US is a collection of music, literature and artwork that have no owner. This means it is "public property" and is available for use by anyone for anything. 

Public Domain materials may be altered or arranged in any way or may be used exactly as it is without any payment to any person or threat of lawsuit.

It has been said of the Public Domain that it is like a public park that all people of the community may use.

Music, literature and art enters into the Public Domain when its copyright expires. In the United States, all music with a publish date prior to January 1, 1923 is considered Public Domain. Unpublished works are under federal copyright for the life of the author plus 70 years. Some authors/artists release their works to the Public Domain when they write it.

When using materials from the Public Domain, it may be necessary to document this. If you are using a work that was published prior to January 1, 1923, you may need to secure a copy of those materials with a copyright date of January 1, 1923 or earlier.

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There are literally thousands upon thousands
of music, literature and artworks that are considered
to be in the Public Domain in the United States!