I have been using limewire for years now, when I open it, it appears that they don't let you download for free anymore, some sort of law. Years ago and even now I see where they are coming from, by getting music for free etc.

But my question for you is, is there any way around having to pay for limewire? Is this a sort term thing?

Or is there any sites that are safe and free for downloading music?

There are no SAFE ways because they are all illegal.

Limewire has had built in spyware since back when Napster got sued.

Limewire has been the dumbest way to do this since almost back to when it first started, certainly for years now anyway. You have the HIGHEST likelihood of getting caught doing it that way of any.

All ways to download illegal bootlegs carry a risk of getting caught... and the fines are high.

I also think the RIAA are jackbooted thugs... BUT you are better off borrowing CD's friends own and Ripping your own MP3's from that. There is essentually NO way to get busted doing it that way.