how to include song titles in an essay

How To Write A Song Title in an Essay: 7 Rules to Remember

• August 22, 2024
• Freelancing Tips

Table of Contents Hide

The importance of proper song title formatting, 1. use quotation marks for song titles, 2. capitalize the major words in the song title, 3. italicize album titles but not song titles, 4. follow your in-house style, why adhering to a style guide matters, 5. avoid italics and underlining for song titles, 6. be consistent throughout your essay, 7. cite the song correctly in your references or works cited page, 1. mla format, 2. apa format, 3. chicago style, the importance of proper citation, additional tips for formatting song titles, common issues to avoid when formatting a song title, faqs on how to write a song title in an essay, we also recommend.

When writing about music in an essay, it’s essential to know how to properly format song titles. Whether you’re analyzing lyrics, discussing musical influences, or simply sharing your favorite tracks, accurate song title formatting is crucial for credibility and clarity.

In this article, we’ll explore how to write a song title in an essay, including key principles, citation styles, and best practices for presentation.

Proper song title formatting is vital for several reasons as it ensures clarity, and helps readers understand the difference between song titles, album titles, and artist names.

Also, it demonstrates credibility, showing that you’ve taken the time to understand the nuances of academic writing and respect the artist’s work. Finally, consistent formatting throughout the essay ensures a professional presentation.

How To Write A Song Title In An Essay

Here are guidelines on how to write a song title in an essay:

The use of quotation marks for song titles is a standard convention in writing. This practice not only highlights the title, distinguishing it from the rest of the text, but also indicates that the title is a smaller work within a larger context such as an album, a musical, or a film.

This is consistent across various style guides like MLA, APA, and Chicago, though some nuances depend on the guide.

Why Quotation Marks Matter

Quotation marks serve as a visual cue for readers, signaling that what follows is a specific title. This is particularly important in essays where clarity is paramount.

For example, without quotation marks, a sentence like “I love listening to Let It Be by The Beatles” could be confusing. Is “Let It Be” a song, an album, or perhaps a directive within the sentence? Quotation marks remove any ambiguity: “I love listening to ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles.”

Example in Context

Consider an essay analyzing the evolution of rock music. When mentioning songs like “Hotel California” by the Eagles or “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, placing these titles in quotation marks instantly clarifies that these are specific songs referenced, rather than general terms or phrases.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Love Song | Step-by-Step Guide, Examples, & Free Templates

Capitalization in song titles follows the rules of the title case, which means capitalizing all major words. Major words include nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and some conjunctions, while articles, short conjunctions, and prepositions are generally not capitalized unless they begin or end the title.

This rule is essential because improper capitalization can make a title look unprofessional and distract readers from your essay’s content.

Detailed Breakdown of Title Case

• Nouns: Always capitalize. Example: “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
• Pronouns: Always capitalize. Example: “All You Need Is Love.”
• Verbs: Always capitalize, even if they’re short. Example: “Let It Be.”
• Adjectives and Adverbs: Always capitalize. Example: “Sweet Child o’ Mine.”
• Conjunctions and Prepositions: Capitalize if they are four letters or more, or if they are the first or last word in the title. Example: “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”

Example of Incorrect Capitalization

Incorrect: “Knocking on heaven’s door” Correct: “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”

Incorrect: “satisfaction” Correct: “Satisfaction”

Proper capitalization aligns with the formal conventions of writing and shows respect for the song title as a recognized work of art.

SEE ALSO: How Do I Write a Good Character Letter for Court? All In One Guide & Sample 2024

While song titles are enclosed in quotation marks, album titles should be italicized. This distinction is important because it reflects the hierarchical relationship between individual songs and the larger work they belong to, such as an album. Italicizing album titles helps differentiate them from the titles of shorter works, such as songs or chapters of a book, which are enclosed in quotation marks.

The Role of Italics in Text

Italics in writing are used to emphasize titles of major works, foreign words, and sometimes to stress a particular word or phrase. When used for album titles, italics signal to the reader that the title is part of a larger collection of works, similar to how a book title might be italicized when discussing a particular chapter.

Examples of Album and Song Titles

• Song: “Like a Rolling Stone”
• Album: Highway 61 Revisited

When discussing Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” in your essay, it’s important to italicize Highway 61 Revisited to distinguish the song from the album.

READ ALSO: How to Write a Compelling Character Letter to a Judge for a Friend: Tips and Template

Exceptions to the Rule

In some informal writing or in certain digital formats where italics might not be available or easy to use, album titles might be placed in quotation marks or even bolded. However, in academic writing, the use of italics is the preferred and correct method.

Different style guides have different rules for formatting titles, including those of songs. The three most commonly used style guides in academic writing are the Modern Language Association (MLA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago). Each has its specific guidelines, and it’s essential to follow the one that applies to your work.

In MLA style, song titles are placed in quotation marks, while album titles are italicized. MLA does not require specific formatting for the year of release within the text, though it might be included in the works cited page.

Example: “Yesterday” by The Beatles from the album Help!

APA style, often used in social sciences, also requires song titles to be in quotation marks. However, APA places more emphasis on the publication date, which might be included within the text or in the reference list.

Example: The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” (1965) from their album Help!

Chicago Style

Chicago style is similar to MLA in that it uses quotation marks for song titles and italics for album titles. However, Chicago allows for more flexibility in how you might cite songs, particularly in footnotes or endnotes.

Example: The Beatles’ “Yesterday,” from the album Help! , released in 1965.

You may want to see the 7 Best Websites to Hire Freelancers for Comedy Writing in Africa

Adhering to a specific style guide ensures that your essay meets the standards expected by your institution or publisher. This consistency not only reflects well on your writing skills but also makes your work easier to read and understand.

One common mistake is the incorrect use of italics or underlining for song titles. While italics are reserved for larger works like albums, underlining was traditionally used in place of italics in typewritten or handwritten documents.

However, in modern writing, especially digital formats, underlining is often avoided because it can be mistaken for a hyperlink.

Why Underlining is Obsolete

Underlining is a carryover from the days of typewriters, where italics were not an option. With the advent of word processors and digital writing tools, italics became the standard for titles of major works.

Underlining is now mostly used in handwritten documents or when italics are unavailable. In digital formats, underlining is typically reserved for hyperlinks, and using it for song titles could confuse readers.

Examples to Avoid

Incorrect: I just listened to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. Correct: I just listened to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin.

Incorrect: “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic. Correct: “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic.

By avoiding italics and underlining for song titles, you ensure that your writing is both modern and clear.

Consistency is crucial in essay writing, particularly when it comes to formatting. Inconsistent use of quotation marks, italics, or capitalization can make your essay appear sloppy and can confuse readers.

Consistency extends beyond just song titles—it applies to all aspects of your writing, including citation formats, tense, and even font choices.

Why Consistency Matters

Consistency in formatting reflects your attention to detail and your understanding of writing conventions. It also enhances the readability of your essay, making it easier for readers to follow your argument without getting distracted by formatting discrepancies. In academic writing, inconsistency can lead to lower grades, as it may be seen as a lack of care or knowledge.

Practical Tips for Consistency

• Create a Checklist: Before you start writing, create a checklist of the formatting rules you need to follow. This might include using quotation marks for song titles, italicizing album titles, and capitalizing major words.
• Use Style Guide Tools: Many word processors have built-in tools to help you adhere to specific style guides. You can also use online tools or plugins that check your writing against MLA, APA, or Chicago style guidelines.
• Review and Edit: After writing your essay, take the time to review it carefully, checking for consistency in formatting. If possible, have someone else read your essay to catch any inconsistencies you might have missed.

Example of Consistent Formatting

Inconsistent: I enjoy “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and listening to Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. Consistent: I enjoy “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, and listening to The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.

When referencing a song in an academic essay, it’s not enough to mention it in the text; you must also include a full citation in your references or works cited page.

The format of this citation will depend on the style guide you are following, but it typically includes the artist’s name, the song title, the album title, the record label, and the year of release.

Proper citation is not just a formality; it’s a critical aspect of academic integrity, ensuring that you give appropriate credit to the creators of the music you reference.

Detailed Citation Formats for Different Style Guides

In MLA format, the song is cited with the artist’s name first, followed by the song title in quotation marks, the album title in italics, the record label, and the year of release. If you accessed the song online, you might also need to include the medium (e.g., Spotify, YouTube) and the URL.

Lennon, John. “Imagine.” Imagine , Apple Records, 1971.

If you accessed it online:

Lennon, John. “Imagine.” Imagine , Apple Records, 1971. Spotify, [URL].

In APA format, the focus is on the year of publication, which comes right after the artist’s name. The song title is in italics (which differs from in-text citations where it is in quotation marks), followed by the medium (if applicable), and then the album title and label.

Lennon, J. (1971). Imagine . On Imagine [Album]. Apple Records.

If accessed online:

Lennon, J. (1971). Imagine . On Imagine [Album]. Apple Records. Spotify. [URL]

READ ALSO: How to Write a Review on Airbnb as a Guest | Step-by-Step Guide, Examples, & Samples

Chicago style offers flexibility in citations. You might cite a song within the text, in footnotes, or in a bibliography, with slight variations depending on the approach.

Example (Bibliography):

Lennon, John. “Imagine.” On Imagine . Apple Records, 1971.

Example (Footnote):

John Lennon, “Imagine,” on Imagine , Apple Records, 1971.

• Credibility: Citing your sources correctly adds credibility to your essay. It shows that you have done your research and that your arguments are backed by reliable sources.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Failing to cite sources properly can lead to plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense. Proper citation ensures that you give credit where it’s due.
• Supporting Your Argument: Citations provide evidence for your claims, making your argument more convincing.

In addition to the 7 rules, here are some extra tips to help you format song titles correctly:

• Use the same formatting for all song titles throughout the essay
• Be consistent in your use of quotation marks, italics, or title case
• Check your citation style guidelines for specific rules on formatting song titles
• Use a grammar and spell checker to ensure accuracy
• Read your essay aloud to catch any formatting errors

SEE ALSO: How To Write an Application Letter for a POS Attendant with No Experience in Nigeria

One common mistake is using italics instead of quotation marks. While some styles prefer italics for song titles, others require quotation marks. Always check your citation style guidelines.

Another mistake is not providing additional information, such as the artist or band name. This can make it difficult for readers to identify the song and its creator.

No, song titles should not be italicized or underlined. They should be placed in quotation marks. Italics or underlining are generally used for longer works like albums, books, or movies.

When mentioning both the song title and the artist, place the song title in quotation marks, followed by the artist’s name. For example: “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran.

Song titles should be placed in quotation marks. For example, if you are referencing the song “Imagine” by John Lennon, you would write it as “Imagine.”

Yes, you should capitalize the major words in the song title, just like you would with the title of a book or movie. Articles, conjunctions, and prepositions are not capitalized unless they are the first word in the title.

How to write a song title in an essay is a crucial skill to learn, and by following these 7 rules, you’ll ensure accurate and consistent song title formatting in your essay. Remember to check your citation style guidelines, maintain consistency, and stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines.

• textero.io – How to Write Song Titles in Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Write K in Cursive Easily: Calligraphy Tips For Beginners
• How to Write a Grievance Letter | Step-by-Step Guide, Examples, & Free
• How Do I Write a Good Character Letter for Court? All In One Guide & Sample 2024
• How to Write a Two (2) Weeks Notice Letter & Email: Steps, Examples, & Free Templates

Related Posts

How to write a retirement letter with steps and an example: rules, tips & questions.

• August 26, 2024

How to Write a Poem About Yourself in these 7 Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a compelling linkedin recommendation in 2024.

• August 24, 2024

• Shop Now: Amazon Labor Day Tech Sale
• Get These 12 Student Discounts!

Proper Formatting of Song Titles in Written Documents

Learn when to use italics and quotation marks to write clearly

• Animation & Video

What to Know

• Refer to the style guide specified by your employer, client, or teacher.
• In the absence of a style guide, the general rule is to use quotation marks for song titles and italicize CD or album titles.
• Don't use underlining in place of italics unless you are using a typewriter or writing titles by hand.

This article explains the proper formatting of song titles in written documents and includes examples.

How to Format Song Titles in Written Documents

For matters of style when punctuating and formatting titles of any kind, turn first to the style guide prescribed by your employer, client, or teacher. In the absence of a style guide, use the following guidelines:

• Put quotation marks around song titles : For best appearance in professionally typeset material, use proper typographical quote marks and apostrophes ( curly quotes ).
• Set CD/album titles in italics : In typeset material, watch out for fake italics . That's not a grammar rule but it is a good design and printing rule.
• Do not use underlining (in place of italics) unless you're using a typewriter or writing titles by hand.

In desktop publishing and word processing software, create character styles to quickly format song titles and other types of titles used throughout a document.

Example References to Song Titles and Albums

Here are two examples of text that includes song titles and album titles:

• Trace Adkins' first #1 single “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing” is from his 1997 CD  Dreamin’ Out Loud . 
• The title cut from Toby Keith’s How Do You Like Me Now? was the most-played country song of 2000. Other favorites from the same album include “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like That” and “Country Comes to Town.”

When the song/album is the same : In the second example, although “ How Do You Like Me Now? ” is the song title, it is also the album title and in that context is treated as the album title, using italics. It would be just as correct to write: My favorite song on the How Do You Like Me Now? album is “How Do You Like Me Now?”

Punctuation in titles : When a song title ends in a question mark, exclamation point, or other punctuation, that punctuation goes inside the quotation marks because it's part of the song title. The beginning portion of the Adkins song title in parentheses is contained in the quotation marks the same as the other part of the song title.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• The Correct Way to Use Bold Type Fonts Effectively in Design
• Why Is Desktop Publishing Important?
• 11 Parts of an Award Certificate
• How to Add a Watermark to a Photo in Corel Photo-Paint
• Best Free Desktop Publishing Software for Mac
• Graphics File Format Types and When to Use Each One
• What Is Desktop Publishing?
• How to Use Text as an Image Mask In Adobe InDesign
• Centering the Contents of a Layer in a Photoshop Document
• How to Copy Images or Text From a PDF File
• How to Resize a Layer in Photoshop
• Adobe Photoshop Menu Bar Options
• How to Simulate Bold and Italics in Photoshop
• How to Convert an Image to GIF Format
• How to Customize the Adobe InDesign Document Area
• How to Use Scribus Desktop Publishing Software

How To Write A Song Title In An Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide

Feeling behind on AI?

When you're tackling the challenge of writing an academic essay, knowing how to correctly format song titles can make your paper stand out. It's not just about following guidelines; it's about respecting the artistry behind the music while enhancing the credibility of your work. Whether you’re analyzing a classic hit or citing a modern track, getting the details right matters.

Imagine you’re weaving lyrics into your argument or discussing the impact of a particular tune. Properly formatted song titles ensure that readers recognize references and appreciate their significance within your analysis. Let’s dive into how you can master this subtle but essential aspect of academic writing, setting up your essay for success with precision and style.

Understanding the Basics of Song Titles in Essays

When writing academic essays, recognizing how to format song titles correctly is crucial. This knowledge ensures that your document adheres to standard academic protocols and enhances readability.

Why Proper Formatting Matters

Proper formatting of song titles in essays demonstrates attention to detail and respect for copyright laws. In academia, precision in citing sources reflects on your credibility as a writer and the integrity of your work. Correctly formatted references help prevent plagiarism by clearly distinguishing between original thoughts and borrowed creativity. This practice not only upholds legal standards but also maintains the aesthetic appeal of your essay, ensuring a professional presentation that engages readers effectively.

Song Titles vs Other Titles

Song titles are treated differently from other types of titles like books or articles primarily due to their short-form nature and distinct composition rules. While book titles are italicized, song titles require quotation marks around them. This distinction helps clarify what type of media is being discussed — for instance, an album (italicized) versus a track from it (quoted). Additionally, understanding this difference aids in preventing confusion when both types of works appear in a single essay, thereby facilitating clearer communication about various artistic pieces within your analysis.

Preparing to Write Your Essay

Before you begin writing your essay, it's essential to ensure that all preparations are in place to incorporate song titles effectively.

Research and Select Songs

Start by identifying the songs that most closely align with your essay topic. Consider factors like genre, artist relevance, lyrical content, and how well the song supports or enhances the points you wish to make. Utilize respected music databases such as AllMusic or Discogs for accurate information about the songs. Make notes on why each selected song is pertinent to your essay’s argument or theme.

Gather Necessary Materials and Sources

Compile a list of all materials you will need for referencing the song titles correctly in your essay. This includes access to official lyrics, copyright details from sites like ASCAP or BMI, and academic papers or music journals if applicable for scholarly insight. Ensure you have reliable internet access or library resources to verify these details accurately before including them in your essay. Keep track of all source URLs or physical document locations for easy citation later.

How to Format a Song Title in an Essay

Proper formatting of song titles in essays underscores your attention to detail and adherence to academic standards. The following guidelines will help ensure that your essay meets the required formatting norms.

Using Quotation Marks

Place song titles within quotation marks when referencing them in your essay. This format distinguishes song titles from other types of works like albums or books, which typically use italics or underlining. For example, if referring to the song "Imagine" by John Lennon, you write: In his song "Imagine," John Lennon proposes an idealistic world.

Capitalization Rules

Capitalize the first letter of each major word in a song title , excluding short prepositions, articles, and conjunctions unless they start the title. For instance, Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" should be formatted with both 'Blank' and 'Space' capitalized because they are major words that contribute significantly to understanding the title’s meaning.

Italics and Their Appropriate Uses

In her album

By adhering to these rules, you maintain clarity and professional presentation in your academic writing concerning music references.

Common Style Guidelines

To ensure your essay meets academic standards, adhere to established style guidelines when citing song titles. These styles vary slightly, so choose the one most appropriate for your course or field of study.

In APA format, enclose song titles in double quotation marks . Do not italicize or underline them. Capitalize the first word of the title and any significant words thereafter (excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions unless they start the title). For example:

• "Shake It Off"
• "Born to Run"

Include specific details such as the performer's name followed by a period, and then list the year of release in parentheses before closing with a period. If you reference a particular performance or version, specify this information immediately following the title.

MLA format also requires double quotation marks around song titles . Follow similar capitalization rules as APA style: capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title while leaving lower case for minor words unless they are at the beginning or end of the title.

For instance:

• "Hotel California"
• "Stairway to Heaven"

The songwriter's name comes first in an MLA citation. Place a comma after this followed by "Song Title," another comma after that before ending with more detailed publication information.

Chicago Style

Chicago Manual of Style suggests using italics only for larger works like albums or movies; thus place song titles within double quotation marks. Capitalization rules mirror those used in both APA and MLA formats where major words are capitalized.

Examples include:

• "All Along The Watchtower"
• "Comfortably Numb"

Start with either the singer’s name or composer if different from other contributors listed afterward separated by commas in a footnote or bibliography entry. Cite specific page numbers if applicable to direct readers accurately within larger sources.

By mastering these formatting nuances across different citation styles, you enhance both clarity and credibility in your writing about music topics.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When writing song titles in essays, you might encounter certain formatting challenges. This section helps you address common issues effectively.

Incorrect Formatting of Song Titles

Encountering incorrect formatting of song titles can detract from the professionalism of your academic essay. Ensure that song titles are always enclosed in quotation marks and not italicized—this is a standard rule across APA, MLA, and Chicago styles unless specified otherwise by your guideline. For example, correctly formatted: "Yesterday" by The Beatles; incorrectly formatted: Yesterday by The Beatles.

If you mistakenly use italics or improper capitalization (such as capitalizing all letters), review style-specific guidelines:

• APA and MLA : Only major words in the title should be capitalized.
• Chicago : Capitalization involves first and last words being capitalized along with all major words in between.

Revising your document to correct these errors enhances readability and maintains the required academic standards.

Citing Live Performances vs Recorded Tracks

Differentiating between live performances and recorded tracks in citations is crucial for accuracy in your essays. Cite live performances by including the date and location of the performance along with the artist's name. For recorded tracks, focus on providing detailed information about the album release or recording details if available.

• Live Performance: "Bohemian Rhapsody" performed by Queen at Live Aid, Wembley Stadium, London, July 13, 1985.
• Recorded Track: "Bohemian Rhapsody," Queen, A Night at the Opera , 1975.

By specifying these details clearly, readers can understand precisely which rendition or version of the song you are referencing.

Tips for Writing an Effective Essay

In crafting an effective essay, emphasizing precision in formatting and smooth integration of song titles is paramount. Focus on maintaining consistency and fluously incorporating these elements to enhance readability and scholarly respect.

Maintaining Consistency

Maintain a consistent style throughout your essay to ensure clarity and professionalism. If you choose a specific citation style like APA, MLA, or Chicago, apply it uniformly across all song titles and other citations:

• Use Uniform Formatting: Always format song titles the same way throughout your essay. For instance, if you start using double quotation marks for song titles in MLA format, continue this practice consistently.
• Follow Style Guide Rules: Refer back to the chosen style guide frequently during the writing process to check that your formatting aligns with its rules. This approach prevents inconsistencies which could detract from your credibility as a writer.
• Regularly Check for Updates: Citation styles can update their guidelines; regularly check for any changes during the writing process that might affect how you cite songs or other materials.

Incorporating Song Titles Smoothly into Text

To integrate song titles effectively within your essay's text:

• Contextual Placement: Introduce song titles naturally within the context of your argument or narrative flow. Avoid abrupt insertions that may disrupt reader engagement.
• Proper Punctuation Usage: Adhere strictly to punctuation norms associated with the citation style you are using. For example, ensure proper use of quotation marks around song titles in MLA format.
• Highlight Relevance: Make clear why a particular song title is relevant in your discussion. Connect it directly to your analysis or point being discussed; this clarifies its inclusion and strengthens your argument.

By applying these tips meticulously, you elevate not only the technical accuracy but also the persuasive power of your academic essays.

Writing Song Titles in Essays with ChatGPT

Help me format song titles in my academic essay according to [specify style guide, e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago]. I need to know how to correctly place quotation marks, capitalize the titles, and differentiate between live performances and recorded tracks. Provide examples based on the following songs: [list specific songs]. Additionally, guide me on how to smoothly integrate these song titles into my text.

Using this prompt, ChatGPT will provide clear guidelines and examples tailored to your specific style guide, ensuring that your essay maintains precision and professionalism in citing song titles.

Mastering the art of formatting song titles in your essays not only enhances readability but also ensures that you respect intellectual property rights. By adhering to style-specific guidelines whether it's APA MLA or Chicago you safeguard the credibility of your academic work. Remember always to use quotation marks for song titles capitalize correctly and differentiate between live performances and recorded tracks. With these skills firmly in place you'll find that integrating song titles into your essays becomes a seamless task bolstered by clarity and precision. Keep refining these practices as they are fundamental elements that contribute significantly to the strength and integrity of your scholarly writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should song titles be formatted in academic essays.

Song titles should be placed in quotation marks with the first letter of each major word capitalized. This applies to most formatting styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago.

What is the difference between formatting song titles and other types of titles?

Unlike book or album titles which are usually italicized, song titles require quotation marks. This distinction helps clarify that a smaller component of a larger work is being referenced.

Are there specific style guidelines for different formatting styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago?

Yes, each style has its own set of rules:

• APA : Enclose song titles in quotation marks.
• MLA : Use quotation marks; capitalize each significant word.
• Chicago : Song titles should be in quotation marks with all principal words capitalized.

How do you handle citing live performances versus recorded tracks?

For live performances, specify the venue and date before the song title. For recorded tracks, include standard details such as artist name and album title followed by the track number if applicable.

What common issues arise when formatting song titles?

Common issues include using incorrect punctuation like italics instead of quotation mark,s or improper capitalization of minor words within the title. Consistent adherence to chosen style guidelines can prevent these errors.

Why is it important to correctly format song titles in academic essays?

Correctly formatting song titles enhances credibility and shows respect for copyright materials while ensuring clarity and precision in scholarly writing.

Can incorrect formatting affect the credibility of an academic essay?

Yes, improper formatting can distract readers and lead to questions about accuracy and attention to detail, potentially undermining the writer's arguments and overall credibility.

• AI Essay Writer
• Paraphraser
• Citation Generator Tool
• AI Text Summarizer
• AI Research Tool
• AI PDF Summarizer
• Outline Generator
• Editing Writing Tools
• Essay Grader
• Essay Checker
• August 13, 2024
• Post a Comment

How to Write Song Titles in Essays: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Quote a Song Title

Quoting a song title can be more tricky than it seems at first glance. Several nuances can confuse inexperienced students, and slight differences exist between leading academic formats. Writing song titles in essays aren’t complex math or advanced physics, so we will cover the subject entirely in our short guide. However, you risk making severe mistakes without a proper and complete understanding of the topic. 

The Golden Rule of Quoting Song Titles 

There is an ultimate golden rule for citing song titles. The story's moral is that quotations should always be around the title of a musical composition . This concludes our brief discussion on correctly referencing musical compositions in academic papers.  

Example: “Blank Space” is Taylor Swift’s song released in 2014. 

The example above demonstrates the properly formatted song title according to all popular academic formats. However, there is more! If you need to address an album, the common practice is to use italics. But what do you do if the song and album have identical names? Well, in that case, you should use italics when addressing the album and quotation marks when addressing the song. 

Example: “Blank Space” is Taylor Swift’s song released in her album 1984 . 

General Guidelines for Quoting Song Titles

Titles of songs should generally adhere to the following standards of format:

🗯️ The names of songs should be surrounded by quotation marks: Typographically, proper use of apostrophes (curly quotes) and quotation marks can elevate the appearance of your professionally typeset text.

🎵 Put every album and CD title in italics: It is common for most academic formats to use italics when addressing the album name. 

❗ Do not use underlining: For some reason, underlining some titles is a common mistake among college students, but no academic format recommends doing that. 

How do I title a song in an essay?

You should put the song title in quotation marks to cite it properly while writing your college paper. If you want to address the album's name, you should use italics. 

Are song titles italicized in MLA?

No, they are not. The common practice in MLA is to put song titles in quotation marks and italicize only names of albums. 

Is a song title in quotes?

Yes, it is recommended to put the song title in quotes by all popular academic formats. We suggest consulting with your advisor if you are unsure about your academic format. 

How to write song titles in APA?

Regarding grammar and style, songs' titles should be written in quotation marks in APA, whereas album titles should be italicized. This style requirement is shared by APA, MLA, and other popular academic formats. 

Related Post

How to Write a Bridge in an Essay

• August 23, 2024

How to Make a Cover Page for an Essay: Best Practices

• August 9, 2024

How to Make an Essay Shorter: Editing Techniques

• July 31, 2024

Are you ready to write top-quality essay with Textero?

Boost Your Essay Writing Skills and Achievements with Textero AI

• No credit card required to start
• Cancel anytime
• 4 different tools to expolore

Save time. Get inspired.

Improve Your Academic Writing Skills and Performance With Textero AI. Discover your ultimate go-to assistant for academic writing. Use the power of AI to overcome writer's block, find new ideas, and elevate your writing experience with Textero.io.

© 2024 Textero by AHelp. All rights reserved.

• Essay Expanding Tool
• Literature Review Tool
• Thesis Generator Tool
• Sentence Rewriting Tool
• Persuasive Essay Generator
• Expository Essay Generator
• Write my Paper
• AI Homework Helper
• Narrative Essay Generator
• Reference Finder Tool
• Essay Title Generator
• Essay Topic Generator
• Essay Idea Generator
• Sentence Expander
• Paragraph Expander

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Cancelation Policy
• Affiliate Program
• Affiliate Program Terms
• Academic Integrity Statement

Latest Portfolio

How to Write a Movie Title in an Essay: Expert Tips for Students

Need any help or looking for an agent.

Do You Use Quotation Marks or Italics for Song and Album Titles?

by Liz Bureman | 40 comments

Start Your Story TODAY! We’re teaching a new LIVE workshop this week to help you start your next book. Learn more and sign up here.

Are you making any playlists for the new year? I love music, and when I write about a song or album, I know when to use quotation marks and when to use italics. Do you? Are song titles italicized? Let's discuss. 

I love music. I've been teaching myself to play guitar, and I can stumble my way through four or five songs without wanting to poke holes in my eardrums, but my main appreciation for music is when other people play it. I'm an avid Spotify user, and I take a lot of pride in my ability to make kickass playlists. One of my girlfriends has even given me the green light to create her hypothetical wedding reception playlist.

Not everyone writes out the titles of their favorite songs or music albums regularly, so it's no surprise I sometimes hear people ask, “Are song titles italicized?”

The answer is no.

Here's how it works:

Song Titles in Quotation Marks

Song titles are always surrounded by quotation marks, like *NSYNC's “Bye Bye Bye,” or “A Whole New World” from Disney's Aladdin .

Anytime you write out the title of a song, you'll put that song title in quotation marks according to standard grammar rules. Think of a song as a shorter work like a short story. Short story titles are always in quotation marks. 

Album Titles in Italics

Musical album titles, on the other hand, are always italicized. For example, while I will openly admit to loving Journey's power ballad song “Faithfully,” I think pretty much every song on their Greatest Hits album should be sung at karaoke nights across the country.

When you write out an album title, you'll put it in italics.

It may help to remember that the music album is a longer work, like a novel. Titles of books are also written in italics in most major style guides. 

Are Song Titles Italicized in Classical Music?

Classical music isn't typically arranged into an album, per se, but the general rule still applies. The shorter songs and movements would be in quotation marks. If it is a full length longer composition, like a full sonata, concerto, or opera then use italics for titles indicating the full work.

For example: The aria “Der Hölle Rache” is probably the most famous piece in Mozart's opera The Magic Flute . 

Other Italics Questions

Of course, lots more media have titles than just songs and albums. There are books , short stories, podcasts, TV shows, episodes . . . the list goes on and on. Want more italics advice? Check out our ultimate title-writing guide for answers to all your italics conundrums.

Do you have any tricks for remembering when to use quotes and when to use italics? Tell us in the comments .

Imagine your favorite musical artist or group is discussing the set list for an upcoming show that has the potential to go viral. What will they play to appeal to fans, old and new?

Take fifteen minutes and write about the hypothetical conversation the ladies of the group had in determining the songs they would play for the show. Post your conversation in the Pro Practice Workshop , and leave notes for other writers brave enough to publish as well. Not a part of a writing community yet? Join us !

Liz Bureman

Liz Bureman has a more-than-healthy interest in proper grammatical structure, accurate spelling, and the underappreciated semicolon. When she's not diagramming sentences and reading blogs about how terribly written the Twilight series is, she edits for the Write Practice, causes trouble in Denver, and plays guitar very slowly and poorly. You can follow her on Twitter (@epbure), where she tweets more about music of the mid-90s than writing.

40 Comments

It was blowing up a storm when we started to practice, but that don’t stop Effie.  He thinks you gotta play no matter what.  If the tornado sirens go off down in town and one of our old ladies calls to tell us so, he’ll say, “Ya’ll can go get in your fraidey holes if you want to.  Me, I’m playing my fiddle.”

Well, you can’t go to the storm cellar with your tail between your legs, so we stay, me and Vander and Larry, even though Larry, who plays the washtub, lost his house in the tornado of ’96 and he shakes when the sky rumbles.  And then Effie’ll start in on some song like “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” just to put his spin on how things might turn out if a twister does find us.

So we’re playing, me on the bass, and we’re looking out the window, where you can see the sky turning the color of a two-day bruise, and Larry’s sweating and Vander’s got his eyes shut like he does when he plays mandolin, and Effie, truth be told, is a flat-out bully.  So he’s getting the show list together and acting like everything’s business as usual.

“I think we should start with “Sitting On The Front Porch,” he says.  Crowd pleaser, every time.  And then, “Baby’s Little Shoes.” And then “Walking With Clementine” for the old folks.  We’ll finish with “God Bless the U.S.A,” since the veteran’s home is bringing a bus.

Lightning is hitting closer, the sky like the Fourth of July.  Larry’s done sat down, turned all pale as fresh milk.  Larry’s a big man.  He can’t button his overalls up all the way on the side, so when he doubles over and then falls out of the fold-up chair, none of us knows what to do.

“I ain’t doing mouth-to-mouth,” Effie says, while the rest of us are trying to right him. 

Larry comes to soon enough, just as the hail starts.

“My new truck,” he says, and shakes his head. You know when people say you’re green at the gills? Well, Larry is.

All our trucks are parked outside, and all of ‘em are getting blasted.  I see my old Dodge, the one I’ve had since May left me, the hail, big as cotton bols hitting it, and it makes me sick.

And then I remember Effie’s truck.  His is in the carport.  Well, sure it is, I think.

Vander, who preaches every other Sunday over in the Cavanaugh bottoms, says, “Shit fire,” and hits the wall.  We are in the town hall of Rudy, a little Craftsman house donated by Mayor Giles Walker’s family when he passed, and the photos of the veterans shake when he does it.

The rain flashes down.  Pounding everything, soaking through my back windshield that was shattered by the hail.

“Mercy sakes,” is all I can say.

Larry stands up, grabbing my arm to do it.  He’s about as wide as he is tall, and he’s near about pulls me down.

“I’m off like a prom dress,” he says, “so don’t try to stop me.”  And then he turns to Effie.

“You’re about as helpful as a boar with teats,” he says, you know that? You act like you’re the bread and butter of The Frog Bayou Boys.”  He points to me.  “But Columbus here, he might not play as good as you like, but he’s the one got the news folks out here to do that story calling us the best band in the River Valley.  And he books every show, and when you get drunk, let’s just be honest here, when you get drunk, you can’t play worth shit.”

Effie came after Larry.  Effie’s a little action figure of a man, but he fights mean, and it took Vander and me to stop him.

We were holding Effie by his scrawny arms, and he was kicking, his cowboy boots flying off the wood floor, so that we were mostly holding him up.

“You are a liar and a snake,” Larry Brammel.  “A liar and a snake.  You’re going to go straight to hell with gasoline drawers on, and when you do, I’ll play my fiddle on your grave.”

Vander stepped in.  “Ya’ll cut it out.  Nobody’s dying,” he said.  “Effie,” he said, and pointed, “you and Larry need to quit showing your butts. That show on Saturday pays $100, plus they feed us.  We ain’t had a show like that since we played that Red, White and Bluegrass gig for the rich ladies who wanted to dress up in thousand dollar boots and wear tight jeans and drink beer in front of their husbands.”

And then Vander bowed up, like I never seen him do before.  “And Effie, we ain’t playing “Walking With Clementine.” The old folks can do without it for one dang night.  I wrote my own song and I want to sing it.  It’s called “She Broke My Heart And Stole My Wallet.” That’ll get ‘em going,” Vander said. 

I’d known Vander thirty-two years, and that was the first I’d heard of his songwriting.  His new girlfriend, the one who brought over the Mexican casserole when Vander’s wife died, was likely the inspiration for this new tune.

Word was, she was over in Branson now, hooked up with a cowboy singer who wore a Bolo tie and colored his hair.

Effie face was red.  He looked hotter than blue blazes, like he might catch fire at any minute.  And then he backed down, his shoulders falling.  He looked at all of us, me and Larry and Vander, and then he said, “Fine, that’s fine with me.  I been carrying you ya-hoos for way too long.”

Larry cuffed him on the arm, and then they shook hands, and the rain fell, and the thunder roared, but nobody moved for a minute. 

Effie had a bottle in his fiddle case, and he went to get it.  “Ain’t nobody driving till the rain stops,” he said.  “And that includes you, Larry.”

And then we sat down, and passed the bottle until Vander started singing.  “I loved a girl from Minnesota.  Loved her with a passion true.  And then stole my dad burn wallet, took it out and followed you.  You must be a handsome cowboy.  You must look like Johnny Cash.  But when I find my little Cindy, I will tell her that she’s trash.”

We were laughing then.  And Effie brought out his fiddle, and I picked up my bass, and Vander his mandolin.  Larry drug out the washtub, and we got back at it, the Frog Bayou Boys, just as good as new.

Wow, Marla, if you’re not from those parts then you’ve got one wild imagination, girl! Well done, and then some. The phrasing, the way you used the anarchic terminology, and even the names were spot on, perfect. Beautiful!

 Thank you, Yvette.  I can’t take credit.  I live with these people and these voices.  It’s like music to me.  We get teased A LOT but I wouldn’t trade the dialect or the cadence for anything. 

I love this!!!  The gig, the music, the attitudes.  And the dialogue is genuine county-folk!  Good work, Marla!

You’re so nice.  I love the music we have in the South, the twangy, ball-your-eyes-out stuff that connects us all and makes us feel less alone.  And I know men like these, I’ve heard them play, so writing this was easy.

Great writing Marla. I agree with the others you really have that dialect (which I’m also familiar with) down pat.  

Thank you, Mariaanne. Where are you from?

I live in Lynchburg Va now but was originally from Norfolk.  The accent you are writing sounds like an Appalachian accent to me. Where are you from?

Mariaanne, I live in Lynchburg, too! We have two crit groups here and would love for you to join us. Email me at charmainetdavis at yahoo dot com.

Charmaine – I can’t believe it.  Will you please email me?  [email protected].  I’d love to join you.  When and where do you meet?  

I had a playlist for my wedding that included  “One Day My Prince Will Come” and “If You Wish Upon a Star.”  Since I’m still single, it’s “The Impossible Dream.”

It depends if you’re writing for American or British publications. In the US, song titles are always “Jumping Jack Flash” but in the UK they’re often ‘Midnight Rambler’. It’s caused me no end of headaches writing for both.

They punctuate dialogue differently in the UK too don’t they?  I think the way they do it makes more sense actually but I don’t like to think about it too much or I get confused. I imagine it’s hard to write both ways.  

Agreed. The UK punctuates more logically. I had points knocked off of college papers for employing that punctuation, & tried to defend it with no success. Ha! Punctuation Wars – my kind of rebellion!

I’m in the US. In high school, I got marked off for spelling aluminum as “aluminium.” The teacher actually asked if I was British.

Ten years later, I’d still argue I was technically correct.

sorry so long to reply. Yet, after recent happenings, I can only hope that we can just get back to debating language. God Bless us All. Thanks for replying Eric Foster!!

Does also apply to other works that have a part/whole relationship? I’m thinking specifically of “short stories” and The Collection They Come in or “poems” and Chap Books.

I can’t make any italics work in this application, so I’ll indicate italics with [i] at the beginning and at the end of each title I intend to be italicized.

My practice:

The state-of-the-art bus pitched only slightly with the dips and rolls of Interstate 35 — not like those death-traps they used to ride in the ’40s and ’50s — on the way up to Fort Worth and Billy Bob’s.  He walked down the aisle toward his stateroom with the practiced sea-legs of an old salt, noticing that his harp-player, Mickey, had gone to sleep and was droolin’ in his lap. 

“HEY MICK YOUR FLY’S OPEN!”  he barked in that sargeant’s voice he could assume on a moment’s notice.  Mickey jumped awake and then amiably shot him the bird.  He laughed in his baritone voice and walked on into his quarters. 

Billy Bob’s.  Let’s see — that crowd likes the ’70s stuff off the concept albums, sprinkled ’round the edges with the early Nashville songs.  Let’s do, let’s do — he got his legal pad and licked the point of his stubby pencil — Let’s do “Bloody Mary Mornin'” and “Walkin'” from [i]Phases and Stages[i].  Follow that with “Hello Walls” from [i]And then I Wrote[i].  He sat before the big window and watched the country roll by, remembering.  Remembering. 

The world was a different place when I got started.  I’m an extrememly lucky man, he thought.  All the close shaves — I could easily have gone the way of Hank.  All  the little one-horse planes I’ve flown in, I also could have had the same end as Jim Reeves, or Patsy, God love ‘er. 

Gotta do “Crazy” tonight in honor of Patsy.  That’s another’un offa [i]And Then I Wrote[i].  Sold that’un for fifty dollars when my kids needed shoes, and I’d do it again too. 

He picked up the old spanish guitar with the hole in it where his right hand had worn through the wood over the decades, and began to strum it.  Key of E.  Began to sing just a little bit, soft and low:  “In___ the twighlight glow I see__ her . . .”  And then stopped.  All those years.  All those songs.  All those changes.  Phases and stages.

Yes, I’m lucky, it’s still hard to believe just how lucky.

Gotta find a spot for “Blue Eyes” tonight too.  [i]Red-Headed Stranger[i].  

Sometimes, he realized, I look in the mirror and that’s who I see.

Wow!  I love this.  The part about the hole in the guitar is gold.  And I love your main character.  I’d go hear him, in a heartbeat. 

Thank you all for your kind comments.   The piece is about Willie Nelson, I just didn’t name him.  All of the album and song titles are real, as is the hole in his guitar;  just look closely the next time you see him playing on tv and you’ll see it.  I had a lot of fun writing this!

I’ve always been amused by Willie’s “holy” guitar. He’s such a kook.

I forgot DISQUS doesn’t allow italics. Sorry about that John. Way to make it work 🙂

That was really well done John.  It’s kind of sad to hear him thinking about old times but he seems to be a pretty happy guy overall.  I like the hole in the guitar too as well as the guy drooling in his sleep.  Gross but probably about right.  

Good article. Quick and to the point. Thanks!

Not kickass playlists if they have Journey in them lol…

It will really depend on how are you going to use those kind of quotations in your writing but I what I have observed, this kind of thing was being used by most writing especially if when they emphasized a title on their writing.

I was going to ask about the title of a composition and the movements but after reading the program magazine I realized that italics are used for both.

I think I have been doing that correctly. I was worried.

Her hand twisted the edge of her shirt as the smell of sawdust filled the air. The crowd’s noises dimmed, her heart beat louder in her ears and her palms dampened as she climbed the stage stairs. Though she had practiced long hours she was nervous anticipating singing “China Girl” from John Cougar Mellancamp’s, (italics American Fool italics), album.

You should try djing. It’s easy if you can already make a good playlist. If you’re already a good selector, all you have to do is pre-cue the next song in your headphones then drop it on the 1. Really easy stuff. You can buy the app, djay, for ios devices and log in with your spotify account for access to your playlists and stuff. We need more female djs.

My first concert experience was of one that I would not easily forget, it was Summer Jam hosted by Hot 97. The concert had a majority of middle class rappers playing their hot singles. I came there for a select few: 50 Cent, Fabolous and Young Thug. The other performing artists were mainly for the female demographic, like Fetty Wap and Ty Dolla $ign. What I really enjoyed about this concert is they did not only play songs from this current generation, they reached out to other generations as well. The biggest example of this is seeing 50 Cent preform. He played hits from his Get Rich or Die Tryin’ album all the way up to his recent The Kanan Mixtape. I was going ballistic when I heard him preform a new track “I’m the Man” and decided to take us back to 2003 with “In da Club” immediately after. The artists I came for did not disappoint.

And if you are writing dialogue, I do not recall seeing two double quotation marks at end of dialogue. Maybe I am wrong. For instance, “Baby, you know I love Ted’s “Stranglehold,”” he fired back. I have seen a single followed by a double quotation at end of dialogue after the comma or period. So maybe that’s why the King’s English prefers single over double?

This saved my essay. Thanks Liz!

Dear Liz, I was looking for some advice about quote/italics for song/movie/book titles and got totally side-tracked by your Journey reference. When I rule the world, I promise you will get your wish. Journey will be piped directly into people’s heads so they can all become happier and more well rounded. Tee Hee. Keep up the good work. 😉

The Excavators play Brady Wilkenson’s 8th Birthday Bash!

This past Saturday afternoon was Brady Wilkensen’s birthday party, and he could think of no better live entertainment than his father’s heavy metal band, The Excavators. When Brady suggested the idea, his dad felt honored, albeit unsure whether the mothers of his son’s 8-year-old classmates and friends would appreciate the lyrical content of his band’s hits, especially “Rotting Flesh” and “Glory Hole” off their latest album (i) In it for the Lingue Hall. (i)

Instead of becoming the third grade parents’ worst nightmare, Mr. Wilkensen figured he’d tone things down quite a bit to become more palatable to the kids and their discerning parents. He got the members of the Excavators together, sure, but instead of “Rock My Grave,” the afternoon’s selections included “Punk Rock Teacher” and “All My Friends Headbang” off their pseudo EP (i) Songs for the Peanut Gallery (i).

The party was to be held at Bringadown Hall, in a posh country club in the suburb where Brady and his family resided. Mr. Wilkenson figured that his band had better revamp their look for this gig as well. Instead of their usual studs and leather, the Excavators came to the party dressed in red t-shirts, jeans, and letter jackets that evoked high school in the ’70s.

The band decided to even craft some improv tunes on the subject of the party’s goings-on and present them to Brady and his guests at the end of the show. “Pizza on my Face, What a Disgrace!” did so well among Brady’s friends that the Excavators decided to include it on their upcoming album, (i) Smells like Burnt Crust (i).

Rather than the utter disgust that would have been sure to follow had the band performed its signature material, (i) Songs for the Peanut Gallery (i) was lauded by parents and children alike as a “too-cool-for-school crowd pleaser.”

Brady bragged from that day forward that he had the coolest dad in town, and his 8th birthday party became the epitome of birthday bash success in the eyes of the entirety of Willten Elementary School’s student body, whether they’d attended the party or heard about it from a friend-of-a-friend’s brother.

“Whew,” Mr. Wilkenson said to his wife when the party was over, “that was a good call!”

Thanks Liz, good info!

Here’s my sentence in question: “They just ran out the back door singing it to the tune of ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’.” It is dialog, and according to what I’m reading, I should use double quotes around the song and at the end of the sentence. Correct?

thanks for the help!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Join over 450,000 readers who are saying YES to practice. You’ll also get a free copy of our eBook 14 Prompts :

Popular Resources

Best Resources for Writers Book Writing Tips & Guides Creativity & Inspiration Tips Writing Prompts Grammar & Vocab Resources Best Book Writing Software ProWritingAid Review Writing Teacher Resources Publisher Rocket Review Scrivener Review Gifts for Writers

Books By Our Writers

You've got it! Just us where to send your guide.

Enter your email to get our free 10-step guide to becoming a writer.

You've got it! Just us where to send your book.

Enter your first name and email to get our free book, 14 Prompts.

Want to Get Published?

Enter your email to get our free interactive checklist to writing and publishing a book.

The Tech Edvocate

• Advertisement
• Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
• Home Page Four
• Home Page Three
• Home Page Two
• Icons [No Sidebar]
• Left Sidbear Page
• Lynch Educational Consulting
• My Speaking Page
• Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
• Newsletter Unsubscription
• Page Example
• Privacy Policy
• Protected Content
• Request a Product Review
• Shortcodes Examples
• Terms and Conditions
• The Edvocate
• The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
• Write For Us
• Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
• The Edvocate Podcast
• Assistive Technology
• Child Development Tech
• Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
• EdTech Futures
• EdTech News
• EdTech Policy & Reform
• EdTech Startups & Businesses
• Higher Education EdTech
• Online Learning & eLearning
• Parent & Family Tech
• Personalized Learning
• Product Reviews
• Tech Edvocate Awards
• School Ratings

Open-Source Cola

Today’s wordle hints, answer and help for aug. 26, #1164, today’s nyt connections hints, answers and help for aug. 26 #442, today’s nyt strands hints, answers and help for aug. 26, #176, why does elisp suck, anubhav sinha talks taking flight with netflix’s ‘ic 814’ hijack drama (exclusive), ai to go nuclear data center deals say it’s inevitable, telegram says ceo has ‘nothing to hide’ after being arrested in france, china box office: ‘alien: romulus’ becomes hollywood’s second biggest film of 2024, daily horoscope: august 26, 2024, proper formatting of song titles in written documents.

Music enthusiasts are often confused about how to format song titles properly in written documents such as essays, research papers, and articles. While some people might think that formatting song titles is not essential, it is a crucial element in writing that can change the meaning or context of a song. The following guidelines will help you correctly format song titles in written documents.

1. Capitalization:

The first letter of every word in a song title should be capitalized, except for articles, conjunctions, and prepositions that are shorter than four letters.

Example: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses.

2. Italicize:

Song titles should be italicized when they appear in a written document, such as when they appear in a sentence or a paragraph. The only exception to this rule is when the document is handwritten.

Example: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is one of the most popular rock songs of all time.

3. Quotation Marks:

When a song title is part of a larger work, such as an album, an opera, or musical theater, use quotation marks to distinguish the song title from the rest of the work. Example: “Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song from the album, “Escape” by Journey.

4. Punctuation:

When referencing a song title, place a comma before and after the title.

Example: The song, “Time After Time,” was a hit for Cyndi Lauper.

5. Acronyms:

If the title of the song consists of an acronym, all letters must be capitalized, and the acronym should also be placed in quotation marks.

Example: “YMCA” by the Village People.

In conclusion, proper formatting of song titles in written documents is crucial in expressing the correct information to the reader. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in misinterpretation of song titles and changing the context of the song. By following these simple guidelines, music lovers, students, and authors can confidently format song titles in written documents.

How to Create a Shutdown Timer in ...

Fostering your kid’s language development.

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

How to Make a Line Graph in Excel

The Positive and Negative Effects of Technology on Your Life

Ways to Fix Audio Crackling in Windows 10

How to Define and Edit a Named Range in Excel

Canon vs. Nikon: Which Camera Brand Is Better?

How to Rotate a Table in Microsoft Word

How Do You Indicate Song Title When Writing? Clear Instructions

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Different ⁣Ways to⁤ Indicate Song Titles in Writing

Using quotation marks to‍ highlight song titles, using italics to emphasize song titles, capitalizing the first letters of each word​ in a song ⁣title, including the ⁤song⁤ title in parentheses, providing⁢ contextual information ⁣with song titles, guidelines for writing song titles in academic papers, maintaining consistency in ‍indicating song titles, frequently asked⁤ questions, wrapping up.

One commonly used way to indicate‌ song‌ titles⁣ in​ writing is to use quotation marks. This helps to⁣ distinguish the title from the surrounding text and gives ‍it prominence. ‍For example, you could write, ⁤”I just listened to one of my all-time ⁢favorite ‌songs, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by⁤ Queen.” ​By enclosing the song ⁤title⁢ in quotation marks, it becomes clear ⁣to the reader that you ‌are referring to a specific⁣ piece‍ of music.

Alternatively, you can also italicize⁢ song titles to ⁣set them apart. ⁢This method is ‌particularly useful when writing in a format that⁢ does not support quotation ‍marks,⁤ such as some social ​media platforms or⁢ handwritten notes. For instance, you‌ could‌ write, “I​ can’t ‍get ‍enough of the ​catchy tune *Shape ⁢of ⁤You* by Ed ‌Sheeran.” By italicizing ⁣the song title, it adds ⁢emphasis and ensures that the reader recognizes it as a distinct title.

Another way‍ to denote song ⁢titles​ is by capitalizing the principal words. This method ‌is often ​used for longer song⁣ titles or when quotation marks or italicization cannot be used. For example, you could⁤ write, “Have you ever heard ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA? It’s an absolute classic!” By ⁤capitalizing the​ principal words, such⁢ as ​nouns, ‌verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, the title ⁣stands out ‍and​ is easily recognizable.

Moreover, ⁣you can also use a combination of capitalization and⁣ quotation‌ marks ⁢to⁣ indicate song titles. This‍ method is useful when you want to ‍provide special distinction to a specific song within a⁣ sentence or a paragraph. ‍For example, you ⁣could ‌write, “I​ have been⁤ humming that unforgettable melody, ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams, all day long.” By capitalizing the principal words⁤ and enclosing the title in quotation marks, it‍ ensures that the song title is clearly indicated.

Ultimately,‌ there are various ⁣ways to indicate‌ song titles in writing, including the ‍use of quotation marks, italics, capitalization, or a combination of ⁣these methods. It’s crucial⁣ to be ⁢consistent in your approach throughout your⁤ writing‌ so‍ that readers can easily identify‍ and differentiate the song titles from the rest of the text. Whether you choose to enclose‌ titles in quotation marks, italicize them, capitalize principal words, or ⁣use a combination ‍of formatting styles, the ⁣goal is⁤ to make the ‌song‌ titles ⁢clear and distinguishable within the ⁣context of ⁤your writing.

When ⁢it ⁢comes to writing, using‌ quotation ⁢marks can help distinguish‍ the titles​ of ⁢songs​ and make‌ them stand out.​ Quotation​ marks​ are​ a ⁢simple yet effective way to⁣ convey that⁢ you are referring to⁤ a specific ‍song title. Here’s a guide on how to make your song titles shine ⁣with ‍quotation⁣ marks:

1. Enclose the song title in double ‌quotation marks: “Song Title”. This clearly indicates that you‌ are⁢ referring to⁢ the title of ⁢a song, making it easier for readers ⁣to identify and distinguish⁤ it from the rest of⁢ the text. 2. Use⁤ italics within the quotation‌ marks: “ “Song Title” “. By adding italics to ​the text within the quotation ​marks,⁣ you ⁢give the song title ⁤even more emphasis and make it‌ visually distinctive, capturing the reader’s attention.

Italics are a valuable ⁣tool for adding emphasis and ‌visual distinction to ‍your writing, especially ‍when it comes to ​song titles. By using italics,⁤ you ⁤can ‍make song titles stand out in your ⁣text, helping readers identify ​the exact‍ name of⁣ the song ‍and enhancing‍ the overall reading experience. So, how can you‌ effectively use italics to emphasize song titles? ⁢Let’s explore a few guidelines:

1. Consistency: When using italics⁣ for song titles, ​consistency is key. Ensure that you consistently apply‍ italics for all ‌song titles​ throughout your work‍ to maintain ⁣clarity and uniformity. 2. ‍Use HTML tags:‌ In HTML, you can‍ easily ‌format text using the “ ” tags to insert italics. Simply⁢ enclose the song title within⁤ the opening and closing tags, like “ Song Title “, and‌ watch⁢ the magic happen.

Now that you know the⁤ basics, it’s time to explore a few specific use cases:

– ⁤Song titles within a sentence: When incorporating a ⁣song title ‍within ‍a sentence, use italics to set it apart ​from the surrounding text. For example, “In her latest ⁣single, Dream on a Cloud , the artist ⁢expresses⁣ deep ​emotions⁤ through poignant lyrics.” -‍ Song titles as‌ headings⁣ or subtitles: If you’re writing ‌a review, a ⁢blog post, or an article ⁤specifically about ‍a‌ song, consider using ⁤the song title as a heading or a subtitle. This​ will not​ only ⁤catch the reader’s attention but also allow the title ​to shine. Remember to format the heading⁢ in a larger and bolder font to maximize ‌readability‌ and‌ impact.

is ⁣a common practice in the music ⁣industry. This technique not ​only enhances the visual​ appeal​ of the title but also helps in conveying the artistic⁣ intent ⁤and separating ⁢each‌ word for easier reading.‍ Here are some⁣ reasons why capitalization is important in song​ titles:

1. Visual Impact: Capitalizing the first letter⁤ of each ‌word in a song title instantly⁤ makes it stand out. It adds ⁣a ⁤touch of professionalism, elevating the overall‍ aesthetics​ and making ​the title ⁢visually appealing. 2. ‌Clarity and Readability: By ⁣capitalizing each ​word,⁣ it​ becomes easier⁣ for readers‍ or⁣ listeners to identify⁢ and comprehend the individual words in the title. This ⁢is especially helpful in longer ⁤titles or when words are unfamiliar or unique. 3. ‌Artistic⁤ Expression:⁤ Song ​titles often carry significant meaning ⁤ and convey ⁤the‌ emotions ‍or⁣ themes explored in the⁣ lyrics.⁤ Capitalizing ‍each word can lend ⁤a sense ⁢of importance to the title, emphasizing the artistic ‌expression behind it. 4. Industry Standard: ‌Capitalization of song titles has become an ‌industry standard, making it easier to⁤ recognize ⁤and ​categorize ⁤songs‍ across various platforms and‍ databases.⁣ This consistency aids in ‍organizing music libraries and⁤ searching for⁢ specific songs. 5. Promotional Purposes: A well-crafted, capitalized song‍ title is ‌more ⁣likely to catch the attention of‌ potential listeners ⁤and stand out among a ‍sea of other ‌songs. It‍ can pique ⁤curiosity ​and‍ generate​ interest, ‌giving the artist or band a ‌competitive edge.

One‌ popular practice ‌in the music industry is⁣ ​within the album or‍ track‌ listing.⁤ This simple addition provides ‌a convenient ⁢way ⁣for⁣ listeners to ⁤identify and refer to specific songs, especially when discussing them with others. By encasing the⁣ title ‍within parentheses,‌ it⁢ stands out ⁤from ‍the rest of the text and ⁤serves as a sort​ of visual cue. This ‍convention ⁢has become prevalent ⁢across⁤ various music⁣ genres and formats, allowing fans to easily ​locate‍ their favorite songs and create playlists based⁣ on individual tracks.

Music has⁣ always ​had a way of​ capturing the ‍essence of moments and emotions. When it⁣ comes to providing contextual information, song titles can be a ⁤powerful tool. They have the ability to set⁣ the ​tone, convey a message, or even tell a story just by ⁢their⁤ mere presence.⁣ By ⁤using song⁢ titles strategically, we can add depth‍ and meaning to various forms of content.

One way⁤ to utilize ⁤song titles⁤ is⁤ in ⁢written articles or blog​ posts. Incorporating them⁣ into headings or subheadings ​can ‌instantly grab the reader’s⁤ attention and give them a glimpse ‍of what to expect. For example, if you’re writing an⁢ article ‍on traveling, using a song title like “Wanderlust Boulevard” can convey a⁢ sense ⁣of adventure and inspire⁤ curiosity ‌in your⁤ audience. Additionally, song titles can‌ serve as creative hooks within the content itself,​ highlighting ⁤key⁢ points or providing ‌relevant examples .‍ This​ approach not only ​engages the reader but​ also adds a unique ⁤flair to the overall tone of the piece.

Another medium where song titles can offer‍ contextual⁣ information is in ⁣visual content, such as presentations or infographics. Incorporating song‍ titles into ⁣slides or graphics ⁣can⁣ enhance the⁢ overall theme or message‍ you’re trying to convey. Using ‌bold and larger fonts ​for the song titles can draw ⁤the viewer’s⁣ attention and​ create a‌ visual hierarchy. Whether you’re ​presenting ‍data about climate⁣ change and using a title like ‍”Earth’s Anthem” or showcasing​ the success ​of a business with a title like “Chart-Topping Growth,” song titles ‍can help reinforce ⁣your key ⁤points and make your content more ​memorable.

Incorporating song titles‍ into‌ various forms ​of content can provide a unique‍ way to engage your ⁢audience, convey emotions, and add a touch of creativity. From ‍written‍ articles to visual presentations, ‌the power of song titles lies in their ability to capture the essence of a moment or⁣ concept in⁢ just a few words.⁢ So, ‌next ‌time ‌you’re creating content, consider⁤ how song titles can ‍help ‌provide that extra dose of contextual information ‍and⁤ captivate your audience in a way that resonates with their emotions and interests.

Writing song titles in academic ⁢papers can be a ⁣tricky task, ​as‌ there‌ are specific guidelines to‍ follow. To ⁤ensure ‍consistency and⁢ accuracy, here are some essential guidelines to consider when including⁤ song titles:

1. Capitalization: When writing a⁣ song⁢ title in your academic paper, capitalize the ​principal​ words of the title. This includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, ⁤adverbs, ‍and ⁣adjectives. However, do not capitalize articles⁣ (a,⁤ an, ​the), prepositions (in, on, of), or‌ conjunctions (and, but, or) ​unless they are the first word ‍in ‍the title.

2. Quotation Marks: Enclose‍ song titles⁢ in quotation marks to ⁣indicate that‌ it is a title. This convention allows readers to identify ‍the title ⁢clearly and distinguishes it from the rest of the text.‌ Make‌ sure to place quotation marks at the ⁤beginning and end of the song title. For ⁢example:⁤ “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Imagine”.

3. ‍Italics: Another option is to ‌italicize the song titles ⁤instead of using quotation marks. Italicizing​ is commonly⁣ used in academic⁢ papers ​and can help differentiate the ​song title from the surrounding ⁤text. Ensure consistency in your ‍paper by either italicizing⁢ or ⁤using quotation marks throughout the text, ⁤depending on your preferred style.

4. Punctuation: Maintain proper punctuation within⁣ the song title. Place any⁤ necessary punctuation marks (e.g., commas, exclamation points) ⁤inside‍ the quotation⁢ marks ⁤or italics. However, if the‍ punctuation is not ⁣part of the song title itself, it‍ should ⁢be placed outside the quotation marks or italics.

Remember‌ to consult‍ the specific formatting ⁣style ⁣guide recommended by⁤ your academic institution or instructor.⁣ Following⁢ these‌ guidelines ⁣diligently will enhance the professionalism of your academic paper and ‌contribute⁤ to overall clarity ⁢and readability.

When it comes to indicating ⁤song titles,‌ consistency is key. Whether you’re a ​writer, a blogger, or simply someone who loves sharing ‍music, using a ⁤unified style ​for song titles can greatly enhance the ⁢readability and aesthetics of your content. Here are some ⁢tips and guidelines to help you maintain ⁤consistency⁣ in ​indicating song titles:

• Italicize or underline: One common practice⁢ is to italicize or⁤ underline song titles to make them stand out. This​ helps distinguish ⁢them⁣ from regular text and indicates ‌that they‍ are specific works of art.
• Capitalize important words: When formatting song titles, capitalize⁣ all important words, ‍such as⁤ nouns, pronouns, verbs,​ adjectives, and ⁣adverbs. However, ⁢articles, conjunctions, and‍ prepositions should‍ be lowercase unless ⁢they are the first ⁣or last ‍word ⁣in​ the title.
• Use quotation marks: Another option is to enclose ​song titles in quotation marks. This style is particularly useful when you’re working with a platform⁣ or‌ medium where it is challenging ‍to apply italics or underlining, ‍such as social ‍media posts or handwritten notes.

By‍ adhering to a⁣ consistent ⁤style ⁢for ⁤indicating ⁤song titles, ​you ⁣provide⁣ clarity and structure to your content. ‌Not only does this⁣ make it easier for readers to identify and search for specific ⁣songs, but it also‍ showcases your⁢ attention to detail. Remember, not only enhances the visual appeal​ of your work but​ also portrays your professionalism⁤ in the‍ music-loving community.

Q: How should ⁤I indicate a ​song title⁣ when ‍writing? A:⁣ When​ writing about songs or‍ including⁣ song titles‍ in your ​writing,‍ it’s important to follow certain formatting guidelines to ​ensure clarity and accuracy. Here’s how you can indicate song titles effectively:

Q: Should song titles ​be ⁤italicized or put in quotation marks? A:‍ Generally, song titles are written in quotation marks. For ⁢example, “Bohemian ​Rhapsody.” However, if you’re creating a formal piece of writing⁤ (such as a research paper) that⁢ requires consistent use of italics for emphasis, you can‍ also ⁢italicize song titles ⁣instead.

Q: Do I⁣ need to ⁣capitalize⁢ every word in a song title? A: In ⁤song titles, it’s common‌ to capitalize the first letter⁢ of each major word. Major words include‌ nouns, pronouns,‍ adjectives,‌ verbs, and adverbs; articles ⁣(a, an, ​the), conjunctions (and,⁣ but, or), and ⁤prepositions (in, on,⁢ at) are⁢ typically not ⁤capitalized unless they are ‍the first or last‌ word of the title. Examples include “Sweet Child o’‌ Mine” and “Love Me Do.”

Q: What if a song title includes punctuation marks ⁢or special characters? A: Punctuation marks and special ⁣characters in song ​titles should be treated and ⁤written exactly as​ they ⁤appear. ⁣This includes apostrophes, hyphens, exclamation points, question​ marks,⁣ and any other ​unique symbols. ‍For instance, “Livin’⁢ on a Prayer” and “Hey,⁣ Jude” should ⁣be ‌written exactly like that.

Q:‍ How should I format a‌ song title within a sentence? A: When including ⁢a song⁤ title within a‍ sentence, you should still enclose ‌it in‍ quotation marks. Additionally, proper ‍punctuation and capitalization should be maintained. ⁤For example, “John dedicated ‌his performance to his‍ favorite song, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.'”

Q: ⁣What should I do if the ​song title is in a language other than English? A: Song titles ⁣in languages other than English⁢ should​ still ⁤follow the same formatting rules as⁢ mentioned ⁢earlier. Therefore, they should be‍ written in ⁤quotation marks ‍with correct capitalization. However, remember ‌to ‍preserve any​ special ⁣characters ⁤or ⁢diacritical marks ‌that may⁤ be present ⁣in the ⁤original title.

Q: Are there any exceptions to these ⁢formatting guidelines? A: Yes, ‍there ‌are a few exceptions. ⁢Some musical compositions ⁤that are divided‌ into smaller parts, such as movements ​in symphonies or classical pieces, are⁤ often italicized instead of being put in quotation marks. However, it’s always best to consult a style guide or follow ‌the specific ​guidelines provided by your instructor or publisher.

Remember,⁢ properly indicating​ song‍ titles in ‌your writing gives ‌your‌ readers a clear understanding and ​maintains consistency ​throughout your⁢ work. ‌Following these​ guidelines‍ will​ help you accomplish just that!

In conclusion, ‌properly indicating ⁢song titles when ​writing is⁤ crucial ‍to maintain clarity and consistency. Whether ‍you italicize, underline, or ⁣use quotation marks, following⁣ a specific⁢ style​ guide will ensure your readers understand ⁤and appreciate your⁣ musical references. So go ahead, write with ⁣confidence, and ⁣let ​the music flow‍ in ​your writing.⁢

Do We Quote Titles When Writing Papers? Best Practices

When Writing an Essay: Underline the Title for Clarity

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities.

Welcome to Creative Writing Prompts

At Creative Writing Prompts, we believe in the power of words to shape worlds. Our platform is a sanctuary for aspiring writers, seasoned wordsmiths, and everyone. Here, storytelling finds its home, and your creative journey begins its captivating voyage.

© 2024 Creativewriting-prompts.com

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

How to Cite a Song or Album in MLA Referencing

• 3-minute read
• 7th April 2021

If you write about music in your work, you might have to cite a recording. But how do you cite a song or album in MLA referencing ? This post will explain the basics.

To cite a song or album in MLA referencing , simply give the artist’s last name or the band’s name in brackets in the relevant part of the text:

Her latest album has a strong environmental theme (Sturgeon).

“Wildlife in America” (Shearwater) comments on US culture.

And to cite a specific part of a song, you can add a timestamp :

The middle eight in “Air and Light” (Sturgeon 2:14–2:29) is truly haunting.

In the above citation, for example, we are citing a section that runs from 2 minutes 14 seconds to 2 minutes 29 seconds into the song.

Musical Recordings in an MLA Works Cited List

All references contain certain core elements in MLA style. And for a musical recording, each entry should include some or all of the following:

• Artist or band name – For individual artists, give their surname first, followed by their first name (e.g., Young, Neil). For artists who don’t follow this naming convention (e.g., U2 or Lady Gaga), just use the full name they are known by.
• Song title – If you are citing a specific song, give the title in quotation marks.
• Album title – Give the name of the album you are citing (or that the song you are citing comes from) in italics.
• Version – If relevant, include information on the version of the song next (e.g., if there are different versions of a song on different albums).
• Publication details – The name of the publisher (i.e., the record label that released the album or song) and the year the recording was released.
• URL – If you accessed the recording online, include the URL. For songs accessed via a streaming platform, give the platform name in italics.
• Format – If it is relevant to your work, you can optionally add the format of the recording at the end of your reference (e.g., CD, vinyl, MP3).

You won’t always need all of this! For many references, the artist’s name, song and/or album title, the publisher, and the year of publication will be enough. But whatever you cite, make sure to include enough information in the Works Cited list to guide readers to the exact version of the recording you have used.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Example References

Below, you can see example references for an album, a song on an album, an album accessed via a streaming platform, and a single song accessed online:

Talk Talk. The Colour of Spring , EMI, 1986.

Song on an Album

Shearwater. “Animals in America.” Jet Plane and Oxbow , Subpop, 2016.

Album on a Streaming Service

Sturgeon, Jenny. The Living Mountain , Hudson Records, 2020. Spotify , https://open.spotify.com/album/7Kt6kaJ8dGIo6cngVA7dcB

Single Song Online

Benin City. “Freaking You Out.” Bandcamp , https://benincity.bandcamp.com/track/freaking-you-out

Make sure to add a hanging indent for each line after the first in all references.

Expert MLA Referencing Proofreading

To ensure all your referencing is error free, get in touch with our expert proofreading team. You can even get your first 500 words checked for free !

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template (2024)

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

23 How to Quote Song Lyrics in an Essay in APA Style

When writing essays in fields like music education, psychology, sociology, or other disciplines that may analyze song lyrics, you’ll often need to incorporate direct quotations or paraphrases to support your arguments and deepen your analysis. Understanding how to properly attribute these sources is essential to both academic integrity and effectively guiding your reader back to the original work. The American Psychological Association (APA) style provides the framework for formatting these citations while ensuring you give credit where credit is due.

Additionally, if you find yourself overwhelmed with the task of incorporating citations or formatting your paper according to APA guidelines, consider seeking assistance and ask professionals to do my paper on DoMyEssay to ensure accuracy and adherence to academic standards.

While there’s no single section in the APA manual devoted entirely to musical sources, you can intelligently adapt the principles for citing various source formats to fit this particular purpose. This involves a careful understanding of both APA’s conventions and the unique nature of musical works, where elements like composer, lyricist, performer, and the date of a particular release all contribute to the full picture.

In-Text Citations

Short Quotations : Integrate shorter lyrical excerpts directly into your text using quotation marks, providing a seamless flow within your writing and allowing the lyrics to speak directly to the reader. Separate line breaks with a single forward slash ( / ) and stanza breaks with two ( // ).

Joni Mitchell explores themes of freedom and constraint in her song “Big Yellow Taxi,” where she poignantly sings, “They paved paradise / And put up a parking lot” (Mitchell, 1970, track 4). 

This technique lets the song’s imagery resonate clearly, strengthening your argument by using the artist’s own words as direct evidence. Furthermore, short quotations can be particularly impactful when they capture a powerful metaphor or a striking turn of phrase unique to the songwriter. 

The bitter irony of “Don’t it always seem to go / That you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone” (Mitchell, 1970, track 4) underscores the song’s larger message about the fleeting nature of what we take for granted.

Block Quotations : For lengthier lyrical segments (typically four lines or more), set them apart as block quotations to emphasize their significance, help with visual clarity, and signify a deeper level of analysis. Indent the entire block from your main text. Consider this example:

They took all the trees

Put ’em in a tree museum

And they charged the people

A dollar and a half just to see ’em

(Mitchell, 1970, track 4)

By using a block quotation, you invite the reader to pause and carefully consider the extended lyrical passage, potentially uncovering deeper meanings, nuances, or its connection to the larger themes of your work. Block quotations can also highlight shifts in tone within a song or reveal the development of an idea across several verses. In Mitchell’s case, the block quote emphasizes the absurdity and commercialization of a world where nature is commodified, adding a layer of social commentary to the environmental focus of “Big Yellow Taxi.”

Citation Components : An in-text citation for song lyrics generally includes the songwriter(s) last name, copyright year, and either track number (for recordings) or page/line number (for printed scores). For example, a direct quotation from “Big Yellow Taxi” would be cited as (Mitchell, 1970, track 4). Paraphrases follow the regular APA pattern of (Author, Year), allowing you to rephrase the song’s message in your own words while still giving credit to the original idea. Remember that consistency in your citations adds a layer of professionalism and clarity to your essay writing , demonstrating your respect for intellectual property and guiding your reader effectively.

Reference List Entries

Your reference list, found at the end of your essay, provides a comprehensive and detailed guide to all the sources you’ve used. For song lyrics, this is where you meticulously list full publication information, allowing a reader to easily locate the exact music you analyzed. Here’s the basic structure, with examples and additional considerations:

Recorded Music : Start with the songwriter(s), copyright year, song title, and recording artist. Then, specify the album title, medium of the recording (vinyl, CD, digital, etc.), location of the record label, and the label itself.

Mitchell, J. (1970). Big Yellow Taxi [Recorded by Joni Mitchell]. On Ladies of the Canyon [LP record]. Burbank, CA: Reprise Records.

If the songwriter and recording artist are the same, you can omit the bracketed “[Recorded by…]” portion. Sometimes, you might need to differentiate between various editions or re-releases of an album, especially if bonus tracks or alternate versions are involved. Since different versions could contain lyrical changes, it’s important to be detailed to ensure a reader can locate the precise source you used. Also, be aware that original publication dates and recent re-releases can differ, so make sure to list the date relevant to the version you’re citing.

Printed Scores : For printed sheet music, whether it’s a full score or a simplified arrangement, focus on the publication details. List the songwriter(s), year of publication, song title, the type of score (vocal, instrumental, choral, etc. – if relevant), the city and state where the publisher is located, and the publisher’s name.

Dylan, B. (1963). Blowin’ in the Wind [Vocal score]. New York, NY: Warner Bros. Publications.

Printed scores can vary widely, from simple piano-and-vocal arrangements to comprehensive orchestral scores. Specifying the score type clarifies the exact version you used for analysis and can be particularly helpful if your arguments focus on instrumentation, harmonies, or other musical elements beyond just the lyrics themselves. Additionally, some scores include notes on historical context or performance practice relevant to specific genres or time periods, giving you additional insights for your analysis.

With a bit of careful attention and by understanding the core principles of APA, you can successfully integrate song lyrics into your academic writing, giving proper credit, strengthening your analysis, and enhancing the overall scholarly impact of your work!

Articles Blog Copyright © by mahmed. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book

How do I format a quotation of song lyrics?

Format a quotation of song lyrics the same way you would format a quotation of poetry. If the quotation consists of fewer than four lines, run it into the text, placing quotation marks around the lines and separating the lines from each other with a forward slash with a space on either side of it. 

Bob Dylan famously sang that “[t]he answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind / The answer is blowin’ in the wind.” Work Cited Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Bob Dylan , 2018, www.bobdylan.com/songs/blowin-wind/.

If the quotation consists of four or more lines, set the quoted lines apart from the text as an extract.

In “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Bob Dylan asks: How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? Yes, ’n’ how many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand?

Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Bob Dylan , 2018, www.bobdylan.com/songs/blowin-wind/.

Generate accurate MLA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• MLA titles: Formatting and capitalization rules

MLA Titles | How to Format & Capitalize Source Titles

Published on April 2, 2019 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on March 5, 2024.

In MLA style , source titles appear either in italics or in quotation marks:

• Italicize the title of a self-contained whole (e.g. a book, film, journal, or website).
• Use  quotation marks around the title if it is part of a larger work (e.g. a chapter of a book, an article in a journal, or a page on a website).

All major words in a title are capitalized . The same format is used in the Works Cited list and in the text itself.

When you use the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator , the correct formatting and capitalization are automatically applied to titles.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text.

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Capitalization in mla titles, punctuation in mla titles, titles within titles, exceptions to mla title formatting, sources with no title, abbreviating titles, titles in foreign languages, frequently asked questions about mla titles.

In all titles and subtitles, capitalize the first and last words, as well as any other principal words.

What to capitalize

What not to capitalize

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Use the same punctuation as appears in the source title. However, if there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space, even if different (or no) punctuation is used in the source.

Example of a work with a subtitle

The exception is when the title ends in a question mark, exclamation point or dash, in which case you keep the original punctuation:

Sometimes a title contains another title—for example, the title of an article about a novel might contain that novel’s title.

For titles within titles, in general, maintain the same formatting as you would if the title stood on its own.

Titles and names that fall into the following categories are not italicized or enclosed in quotation marks:

• Scripture (e.g. the Bible, the Koran, the Gospel)
• Laws, acts and related documents (e.g. the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution , the Paris Agreement)
• Musical compositions identified by form, number and key (e.g. Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5 in C minor, op. 67)
• Conferences, seminars, workshops and courses (e.g. MLA Annual Convention)

Sections of a work

Words that indicate a particular section of a work are not italicized or placed within quotation marks. They are also not capitalized when mentioned in the text.

Examples of such sections include:

• introduction
• list of works cited
• bibliography

Introductions, prefaces, forewords and afterwords

Descriptive terms such as “introduction”, “preface”, “foreword” and “afterword” are capitalized if mentioned in an MLA in-text citation or in the Works Cited list, but not when mentioned in the text itself.

Example of descriptive term capitalization

In-text citation: (Brontë, Preface )

In text: In her preface to the work, added in a later edition, Brontë debates the morality of creating characters such as those featured in Wuthering Heights .

If there is a unique title for the introduction, preface, foreword or afterword, include that title in quotation marks instead of the generic section name when referencing the source in the Works Cited list or an in-text citation.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

For sources with no title, a brief description of the source acts as the title.

Example of a source reference with no title

Follow these rules for capitalization:

• Capitalize the first word
• Capitalize proper nouns
• Ignore other MLA rules for capitalization

There are some exceptions to this general format: descriptions including titles of other works, such as comments on articles or reviews of movies; untitled short messages, like tweets; email messages; and untitled poems.

Exceptions to general format for sources with no title

If you need to mention the name of a work in the text itself, state the full title, but omit the subtitle.

If you need to refer to the work multiple times, you may shorten the title to something familiar or obvious to the reader. For example, Huckleberry Finn for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . If in doubt, prefer the noun phrase.

If the standalone abbreviation may not be clear, you can introduce it in parentheses, following the standard guidelines for abbreviations. For example, The Merchant of Venice ( MV ) . For Shakespeare and the Bible , there are well-established abbreviations you can use.

When you abbreviate a title, make sure you keep the formatting consistent. Even if the abbreviation consists only of letters, as in the MV example, it must be italicized or placed within quotation marks in the same way as it would be when written in full.

Abbreviating very long titles in the Works Cited list

Titles should normally be given in full in the Works Cited list, but if any of your sources has a particularly long title (often the case with older works), you can use an ellipsis to shorten it here. This is only necessary with extremely long titles such as the example below.

In the Works Cited list, if you are listing a work with a title in a language other than English, you can add the translated title in square brackets.

Example of a reference with a translated title

If you are using the foreign-language title in the text itself, you can also include the translation in parenthesis. For example, O Alquimista ( The Alchemist ) .

You don’t need to include a translation in your reference list or in the text if you expect your readers to be familiar with the original language. For example, you wouldn’t translate the title of a  French novel you were writing about in the context of a French degree.

Non-Latin script languages

For works in a language that does not use the Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, or Russian, be consistent with how you mention the source titles and also quotations from within them.

For example, if you choose to write a Russian title in the Cyrillic form, do that throughout the document. If you choose to use the Romanized form, stick with that. Do not alternate between the two.

Yes. MLA style uses title case, which means that all principal words (nouns, pronouns , verbs, adjectives , adverbs , and some conjunctions ) are capitalized.

This applies to titles of sources as well as the title of, and subheadings in, your paper. Use MLA capitalization style even when the original source title uses different capitalization .

In MLA style , book titles appear in italics, with all major words capitalized. If there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space (even if no colon appears in the source). For example:

The format is the same in the Works Cited list and in the text itself. However, when you mention the book title in the text, you don’t have to include the subtitle.

The title of a part of a book—such as a chapter, or a short story or poem in a collection—is not italicized, but instead placed in quotation marks.

When a book’s chapters are written by different authors, you should cite the specific chapter you are referring to.

When all the chapters are written by the same author (or group of authors), you should usually cite the entire book, but some styles include exceptions to this.

• In APA Style , single-author books should always be cited as a whole, even if you only quote or paraphrase from one chapter.
• In MLA Style , if a single-author book is a collection of stand-alone works (e.g. short stories ), you should cite the individual work.
• In Chicago Style , you may choose to cite a single chapter of a single-author book if you feel it is more appropriate than citing the whole book.

The title of an article is not italicized in MLA style , but placed in quotation marks. This applies to articles from journals , newspapers , websites , or any other publication. Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published. For example:

Use the same formatting in the Works Cited entry and when referring to the article in the text itself.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. (2024, March 05). MLA Titles | How to Format & Capitalize Source Titles. Scribbr. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/titles/

Is this article helpful?

Courtney Gahan

Other students also liked, mla format for academic papers and essays, creating an mla header, author names in mla | citing one or multiple authors, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Home / Blog / Mastering the Art of How to Quote a Song in an Essay

Mastering the Art of How to Quote a Song in an Essay

Jennifer Livingstone

Introduction

In the realm of academic writing, the ability to effectively how to quote a song in an essay plays a pivotal role in enriching your text, offering depth and a unique perspective to your argument. Whether it’s how to quote a song lyric in an essay to underscore a point, evoke an emotional response, or how to quote a song title in an essay to reference cultural context, the integration of musical elements can significantly enhance the reader’s engagement with your work. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing a clear set of guidelines for accurately citing songs within your essays. From the nuances of incorporating lyrics to the technicalities of referencing song titles, understanding these principles ensures that your academic writing not only adheres to the highest standards of scholarly integrity but also captures the essence of the musical pieces that influence and inspire your thoughts.

Understanding the Purpose of Quoting a Song

Quoting a song in an academic essay serves several key purposes, each enhancing the depth and breadth of your analysis. Learning how to quote a song in an essay allows you to bolster your arguments or themes with the emotional power or cultural resonance of music. When you master how to quote a song lyric in an essay, you tap into a rich vein of emotional and intellectual material, providing vivid evidence or illustrative examples that support your claims in a uniquely compelling way. Furthermore, understanding how to quote a song title in an essay goes beyond mere citation; it invites readers to consider the cultural or historical significance of the song, connecting your work to broader dialogues within society. This approach not only enriches your essay but also positions your arguments within a larger cultural and historical context, demonstrating the multifaceted impact of music on human experience.

Preparing to Quote a Song

Before incorporating a musical piece into your essay, it’s imperative to navigate the intricacies of how to quote a song in an essay with precision. The initial step involves meticulously identifying the relevant portion of the song that aligns with your discussion or argument. This selection process is critical as it ensures that the excerpt directly contributes to reinforcing your thesis or enriching your analysis.

Contextualizing the song for your audience is another vital aspect. When deliberating on how to quote a song lyric in an essay, providing background about the song or artist can offer valuable insight into its intended message or cultural impact, making your argument more persuasive. This context helps bridge any gaps between the reader’s knowledge and the significance of the lyrics within your essay’s framework.

Furthermore, the adherence to formatting guidelines, such as how to quote a song in an essay MLA, underscores the importance of academic integrity while lending credibility to your work. Whether you’re quoting a song lyric or citing its title, following the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines ensures that your citations are properly structured and recognized.

Ultimately, ensuring that each quote supports your essay’s thesis or main idea is paramount. This careful integration of how to quote song lyrics in an essay not only enhances your argumentation but also enriches the reader’s understanding, making your essay a more compelling and informative read.

Guidelines for Quoting a Song

When incorporating music into your writing, understanding how to quote a song in an essay MLA format is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. Begin by italicizing song titles and capitalizing the initial letters of each word. Artist names should be presented in their standard form. For in-text citations, include the artist’s last name and the song title in parentheses. For instance: (Bowie, “Space Oddity”).

In the Works Cited page, the entry should list the artist’s name, the title of the song in italics, the album name as the container, followed by publication details and the format. An example would look like: Bowie, David. “Space Oddity.” David Bowie, 1969, CD.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that how to quote a song in an essay aligns with MLA standards, providing a clear and concise method for referencing songs in your scholarly work.

In APA format, quoting a song involves specific guidelines that ensure clarity and consistency across academic writing. When addressing how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay using APA style, start by presenting song titles in sentence case, using quotation marks. Artist names should be written in full, without alterations.

For in-text citations, include the artist’s last name and the year of the song’s release in parentheses, for example: (Dylan, 1963). If quoting lyrics, also include a timestamp to indicate the exact part of the song, like (Dylan, 1963, 1:15).

In the References list, the entry should format as follows: Artist’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Song title [Song]. On Album Title. Publisher. For example: Dylan, B. (1963). Blowin’ in the Wind [Song]. On The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Columbia.

Adhering to these APA guidelines ensures your citations are properly formatted, offering a clear reference for readers to follow when you quote a song or its lyrics in an essay.

Chicago Style

When employing Chicago style in your essay, the approach to how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay integrates a nuanced citation method. Song titles should be quoted, with artist names presented in their full form without alterations.

For footnote or endnote citations, you format them by including the artist’s name, song title in quotation marks, album name in italics, year of release, and format type. An example would look like: 1. Artist Name, “Song Title,” Album Name, Year, Format.

In the bibliography, the entry should be arranged as follows: Artist’s Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Name. Year. Format. For instance: Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. 1963. CD.

This Chicago style formatting ensures that quoting a song or its lyrics in your essay is clear, precise, and adheres to academic standards, providing a structured way for readers to locate the original source material.

Incorporating Song Quotes in Your Essay

Incorporating song quotes into your essay requires a seamless approach to ensure the text flows naturally. When how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay, using signal phrases such as “According to [Artist Name]” or “[Artist Name] sings” can smoothly introduce the quote into your narrative. This method not only credits the original artist but also prepares the reader for the integration of external content.

After presenting the quote, it’s crucial to delve into its significance within your analysis. Discuss how the lyrics or the title enhance your argument, contribute to thematic development, or illuminate the subject matter from a unique perspective. This step is vital in demonstrating the relevance of the song quote to your essay’s broader discussion, thereby enriching the reader’s understanding and engagement with your work.

By thoughtfully integrating song quotes and articulating their importance, you bridge the gap between musical expression and academic analysis, offering a richer, more textured exploration of your essay’s themes.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Navigating the legal and ethical landscape is paramount when how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote song lyrics in an essay. Understanding copyright laws is crucial to ensure that your use of song lyrics respects the intellectual property rights of artists and songwriters. When considering how to quote a song lyric in an essay or how to quote lyrics from a song in an essay, it’s important to adhere to the principles of fair use. This doctrine allows for the use of copyrighted material under certain conditions, such as for commentary, criticism, or educational purposes.

Best practices include quoting only the necessary amount of lyrics to support your argument or analysis and always providing appropriate attribution to the original artist. Furthermore, when quoting song lyrics or titles, ensure your usage falls within the guidelines of fair use by contributing original commentary or analysis that transforms the original work in a meaningful way.

By adhering to these legal and ethical considerations, you can ethically incorporate song quotes into your academic writing, enriching your essays while respecting the rights of creators.

In conclusion, mastering how to quote a song in an essay, how to quote a song lyric in an essay, how to quote song lyrics in an essay, and how to quote lyrics from a song in an essay is a valuable skill that enhances your academic writing. We’ve explored the importance of selecting relevant song portions, properly formatting citations across different styles, and the significance of integrating these quotes smoothly into your analysis. Remember, quoting songs not only enriches your essays by providing a diverse range of expressions and cultural references but also deepens the exploration of your topic.

I encourage you to utilize song quotes thoughtfully within your essays. This approach not only demonstrates your ability to engage with a variety of sources but also invites a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate ways in which music and text can intersect to reveal profound insights. Let the power of music amplify the impact of your words , and may your essays resonate with the richness and depth that song quotes can provide.

Get expert help on all your assignments

Other articles.

Reflecting on the tenets that shape our educational practices is fundamental for …

In August, Oklahoma school districts received surprising yet encouraging news as …

MSU President Mark E. Keenum, center left, and MC President Blake Thompson, cent …

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Arts and Entertainment

How to Quote a Song in a Paper (with Formatting & Examples)

Last Updated: April 29, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 321,379 times.

Depending on the type of paper you're writing, you may need to use a song as a reference – either a specific recording, or the composition of the song itself. The format of your citation will be somewhat different depending on whether you are using Modern Language Association (MLA) style, American Psychological Association (APA) style, or the format in the Chicago Manual of Style. You'll also need a brief, in-text citation to point the reader to the more complete citation at the end of your work. [1] X Research source

• The performer could be a single individual or a band. If you're using the name of a single person, use "last name, first name" format.
• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé.

• If there are multiple writers, list them all in the order they appear in the copyright information for the song. If the song has lyrics, there may be both a composer and a lyricist.
• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé and James Blake.

• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé and James Blake. "Freedom."

• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé and James Blake. "Freedom." Lemonade , Parkwood Entertainment, 2016.

• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé and James Blake. "Freedom." Lemonade , Parkwood Entertainment, 2016. Online, www.beyonce.com/album/lemonade-visual-album/, accessed January 9, 2017.

• Use the name you used in your full citation. Just use the first or primary name if there is more than one artist in the full citation. Include the title or a title phrase if you're citing more than one work by that artist.
• For example: (Knowles-Carter, "Freedom")

• For example: Knowles-Carter, B., & Blake, J.
• If there are multiple writers and their roles are identified, you can put these in parentheses after their names. For example: Knowles-Carter, B. (Lyricist), & Blake, J. (Composer).

• For example: Knowles-Carter, B., & Blake, J. (2016).

• You also may want to include the name of the performing artist if they are known by a stage name or are otherwise not immediately identifiable by their last name.
• For example: Knowles-Carter, B., & Blake, J. (2016). Freedom [Recorded by Beyoncé].

• For example: Knowles-Carter, B., & Blake, J. (2016). Freedom. On Lemonade [CD].

• Include state or country information if the city is not well-known. Otherwise, simply include the name of the city.
• For example: Knowles-Carter, B., & Blake, J. (2016). Freedom. On Lemonade [CD]. New York City: Parkwood Entertainment (2016).

• For example: (Knowles-Carter & Blake, 2016, track 10)

Using Chicago Style

• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé, and James Blake.

• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé, and James Blake. Freedom .
• If the performer of the song is someone different from the songwriters, include this information immediately after the title of the song or album by listing their first name and last name.
• If the performer is more important than the songwriter or composer, you may want to list their name first. Use your best judgment depending on the focus of your paper.

• If you can't find the recording number on the physical copy of the recording itself, look on www.discogs.com. Make sure you have the listing for the same recording as the one you're referencing.
• For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé, and James Blake. Freedom . On Lemonade . Parkwood Entertainment, 88985336822, 2016. [11] X Research source

• For example: For example: Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé, and James Blake. Freedom . On Lemonade . Parkwood Entertainment, 88985336822, 2016, CD.

• For example: (Knowles-Carter 2016).
• To provide a pinpoint citation to a specific song, include the track number. For example: (Knowles-Carter 2016, track 10).

Community Q&A

• If you're using Chicago style, list audio recordings separately in a discography that is separate from your main bibliography. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When you access music online, you may have difficulty finding the information you need for your citation. Try looking up the song on a website such as www.discogs.com, which will have publication information. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about citations, check out our in-depth interview with Marissa Levis .

• ↑ http://pitt.libguides.com/citationhelp
• ↑ https://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/2011/12/how-to-cite-recorded-music-in-apa-style.html
• ↑ http://www.ubishops.ca/wp-content/uploads/APAguide6thofficial.pdf
• ↑ http://libguides.depauw.edu/c.php?g=73436&p=472435
• ↑ https://www.discogs.com/Beyoncé-Lemonade/release/8486714
• ↑ http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html
• ↑ http://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/chicago-turabian/how-to-cite-a-musical-recording-chicago-turabian/

About This Article

To cite a song using APA, start by putting the last name of the songwriter or composer, followed by their initials. Then, add the copyright year in parenthesis, and the title of the song. Next, start a new sentence with the word “on,” followed by the italicized name of the album and the medium you heard it on. End the citation with the location, the name of the recording company, and the recording year. For more information on citing songs, including in-text citations for MLA and Chicago style, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 2, 2016

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Quoting a song in an essay title

I want to use a song lyric as a portion of my title for an essay. Obviously, I have to cite that those words are not my own, but how would I go about doing that? Do I use parenthetical documentation in my title (I am using MLA format) or do I just make a mention of it somehow on my Works Cited page?

I would just put it in your works cited page. If the lyric is popular enough ("Hit me, baby, one more time", for example), your reader will probably know where the lyric is from without even having to read the back of your essay. Otherwise, a simple mention will cover you from any angry Oasis lawyers :)

Your Answer

Reminder: Answers generated by artificial intelligence tools are not allowed on Writing Stack Exchange. Learn more

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest.

Required, but never shown

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy .

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• How to prevent nicematrix from intersecting brackets of submatrices?
• Crystal Oscillator Waveform
• What was I thinking when I made this grid?
• Is this an accurate interpretation of the elasticity magus arcana?
• Do mini-humans need a "real" Saturn V to reach the moon?
• Change color/style of vertical line between block start-end in algorithm2e
• Quality difference between Sigma 30mm f1.4 Art and Contemporary
• Implementing SHAKE using SHA3
• How to make a ParametricPlot3D into solid shape
• Where did Geordi's eyes go?
• Usage of なのは in this sentence?
• A simplified Blackjack C++ OOP console game
• Clarification about a notation (or typo?) in ComplexityZoo for QAM class
• Canceling factors in a ratio of factorials
• What can I do when someone else is literally duplicating my PhD work?
• Why are volumes of revolution typically taught in Calculus 2 and not Calculus 3?
• What's the origin of the colloquial "peachy", "simply peachy", and "just peachy"?
• There are at least 3 versions of a quote, with 2 having different attributions. What is the original, who said it, and what does the quote mean?
• default-valued optional (boolean) parameter for a new command in tikz
• Why, if gravity were higher, would designing a fully reusable rocket be impossible?
• Can light become a satellite of a black hole?
• Submitting a paper as a nonacademic practitioner in a field
• Enable all snapping types in QGIS using Python
• Uppercase “God” in translations of Greek plays

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / How to Cite Sources / How to Cite a Song in APA, MLA, or Chicago

How to Cite a Song in APA, MLA, or Chicago

Music is an art form—and just as you’d analyze a poem for a literary paper or cite a painting for an art history paper, you may find yourself using a song as a source, especially if you’re enrolled in music theory courses. Here, we’ve laid out how to cite a song, so if you’re deciding whether or not to include a song in your next paper based on whether you can figure out how to cite it, go for it! Citing songs, whether you’re working off the audio recording or using written lyrics, is actually a pretty similar process to what you might have done for other kinds of citations.

Although citing a song might seem unfamiliar, there’s no need to worry. We’ve got you covered for both audio recordings and written song lyrics, whether you need to cite in MLA format ,  APA format, or Chicago style.

Citing an Audio Recording of a Song Found Online

If you’ve ever cited a movie before, you’ll discover that citing an audio recording of a song is a pretty similar process. But even if you’ve only cited text before, you should be a pro at song citations in no time! We’ve included examples of how you would cite Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t” for each of the three styles as well.

To cite an audio recording of a song, you should make note of the following pieces of information: 1. Singer’s name 2. Songwriter’s name 3. Title of the song (and subtitle, if there is one) 4. Title of the album (and subtitle, if there is one) 5. Album’s Edition (if there is one) 6. Track Number 7. Publisher 8. Year of publication 9. Website or database where the song was found 10. URL 11. The names of any other contributors

Use the following structure to cite an audio recording found online in MLA 9:

Singer’s Last Name, Singer’s First Name. “Title of the Song.” Title of the Album , album’s ed., Publisher, Year of publication, track number. Website or Database Name , URL (remove http:// or https://).

Here’s how the above example would be cited in MLA 9 :

Sheeran, Ed. “Don’t.” X , deluxe ed., Asylum Records, 2014, track 4. Spotify , play.spotify.com/track/34gCuhDGsG4bRPIf9bb02f?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open.

Here’s how the above example would be cited in an in-text citation:

(Singer’s Last Name)

Use the following structure to cite an audio recording in APA format:

Songwriter’s Last Name, Songwriter’s First Initial. (Year of publication). Title of the song [Recorded by Singer’s First Initial, Singer’s Last Name if different from writer*]. On Title of the album [Audio file]. Retrieved from URL

*Do not include the information in the brackets if the name of the songwriter is the same person as the singer or performer.

Here’s how the above example would be cited in APA:

Sheeran, E. (2014). Don’t. On X. [Audio file]. Retrieved from https://play.spotify.com/track/34gCuhDGsG4bRPIf9bb02f?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Use the following structure to cite an audio recording in Chicago:

Singer’s Last name, Singer’s First name. Title of the Song. Publisher, Year of publication, Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.

Here’s how the above example would be cited in Chicago:

Sheeran, Ed. Don’t. Asylum Records, 2014, Accessed June 5, 2017. https://play.spotify.com/track/34gCuhDGsG4bRPIf9bb02f?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open.

Citing Song Lyrics Found Online

Citing written song lyrics is pretty similar to citing an audio recording, but if you’re used to mostly citing written work, you may find this procedure a bit easier since you’re citing words off a page rather than audio. Here, we’ve cited “Imagine,” a song by John Lennon which you’ve surely heard before—and one which could be the subject of rich analysis for your next paper.

To cite written song lyrics, you should make note of the following pieces of information: 1. Singer’s name 2. Songwriter’s name 3. Title of the song (and subtitle, if there is one) 4. Title of the album (and subtitle, if there is one) 5. Album’s Edition (if there is one) 6. Track number 7. Publisher 8. Year of publication 9. Website or Database where the lyrics were found 10. URL 11. The names of any other contributors

Use the following structure to cite written song lyrics in MLA 9:

Songwriter’s Last Name, First Name. Lyrics to “Title of the Song.” Names of other contributors, Album’s Publisher, Year of publication. Name of Website, URL.

Here’s how the above example would be cited in MLA 9:

Lennon, John. Lyrics to “Imagine.” Performed by John Lennon, Ascot Sound Studios, 1971. Genius, genius.com/John-lennon-imagine-lyrics.

Use the following structure to cite written song lyrics in APA format :

Songwriter(s) Last Name, Songwriter(s) First Initial. (Year of publication). Title of song [Lyrics]. Retrieved from URL

Lennon, J. (1971). Imagine [Lyrics]. Retrieved from https://genius.com/John-lennon-imagine-lyrics

Use the following structure to cite an written song lyrics in Chicago:

Singer’s Last Name, Singer’s First Name. “Title of the song.” Name of Website. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.

Lennon, John. “Imagine.” Genius. Accessed June 5, 2017. https://genius.com/John-lennon-imagine-lyrics.

Citation Guides

• Annotated Bibliography
• Block Quotes
• Citation Examples
• et al Usage
• In-text Citations
• Page Numbers
• Reference Page
• Sample Paper
• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide
• Bibliography
• Works Cited
• MLA 8 Updates
• View MLA Guide

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

To cite a song or music in MLA, it is helpful to know information including the song title, contributor names, and production details. The templates and examples below are based on the MLA Handbook , 9th edition.

In-text citation and works cited list entry examples for a song by a single artist are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

Artist Surname

Parenthetical:

(Artist Surname)

Works cited entry template and example:

Surname, First M. “Song Title.” Album Title , relevant contributor information, Production/Record Company, Year Released.

Grande, Ariana. “Moonlight.” Dangerous Women , Republic Records, 2016.

The in-text citation does not include the release year. The surname alone is used in the in-text citations.

The song title should be enclosed in double quotation marks. If the song is part of an album, the album title should be included. Any additional contributors, the name of the record company, and the year the song was released should also be part of the works cited entry.

To cite song lyrics, include the following details: the lyricist/artist’s last name, year, song’s title, title of the album, medium, producer, and URL if applicable.

Citation Basics

Harvard Referencing

Plagiarism Basics

Plagiarism Checker

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

How to cite a single song or track reference

Concert season is in full swing, and music artists seem to be dropping a new single every week. If you want to write about the audial gems you listen to in your day-to-day, you have come to the right place.

It doesn’t matter if you are grooving to a jazz-inspired track on William Shatner’s latest album Bill or still trying to recover from the myriad of emotions evoked by the 27 tracks on Ye’s (the artist formerly known as Kanye West) Donda , APA Style can help you cite the melodic works you love in your paper or manuscript. In this post, you will learn how to cite a single song or track reference.

In general, each APA Style reference has an author element, date element, title element, and source element . For a song or track reference, the author of the work is usually the recording artist, which may be an individual or group. If a music artist prefers to use their first name and surname, then follow the APA guideline to invert the author’s name as “Surname, First Initial” in your reference (e.g., “Smith, S.” for singer and songwriter “Sam Smith”).

If the music artist chooses to go by only one name (e.g., “Beyoncé”), a group name (e.g., “Franz Ferdinand”), an inseparable multipart name (e.g., “Lady Gaga”), an initialism (e.g., “MNEK”), or some other name variation, write their name as shown on the work. If the work you are citing features another artist, place the featured artist’s name (again, formatted as “Surname, First Initial” or exactly as their name is spelled on the work) in parentheses after the main artist’s name, preceded by the word “featuring,” as shown in the BTS and Megan Thee Stallion reference example later in this post.

Therefore, in your song or track reference, write the name of the recording artist in the author element (if it’s a classical work, write the name of the composer), and place the date the work was published in parentheses in the date element. Include the title of the work in sentence case and standard nonitalic type, and describe the type of audio work in square brackets—for example, “[Song]”—in the title element of the reference.

After the title of the work, its bracketed description, and the ending period, write the word “On” in standard nonitalic type, followed by the title of the associated album in italic sentence case. In the source element of the reference, provide the name(s) of the artist’s music label(s), separating multiple music labels with semicolons—as shown in the following example.

Song with an associated album, with multiple music labels

Coldplay & BTS. (2021). My universe [Song]. On Music of the spheres . Parlophone; Atlantic.

• Parenthetical citation: (Coldplay & BTS, 2021)
• Narrative citation: Coldplay and BTS (2021)

If the song or track has no associated album, omit that part of the reference, as shown in the next example. If the song or track is a remix of the original version, place the word “Remix” in parentheses after the title but before the bracketed description—also shown in the next example.

Song without an associated album

BTS (featuring Megan Thee Stallion). (2021). Butter (Remix) [Song]. BigHit Music.

• Parenthetical citation: (BTS, 2021) 
• Narrative citation: BTS (2021)

What if you want to cite a song or track that has been rerecorded by another artist?

Because song references provide information about the recording artist, who is not always the same person or people who wrote the lyrics and/or the melody, you don’t need to research the history of a song in order to cite it; just cite the version you heard. Thus, there is no need to include the date the original work was published or the name of the original recording artist in your reference.

For example:

Song or track recorded by an artist other than the original artist

Smith, A. (2015). I put a spell on you [Song]. On Nina revisited: A tribute to Nina Simone. Legacy.

• Parenthetical citation: (Smith, 2015) 
• Narrative citation: Smith (2015)

One exception to this guideline is classical music, where the work’s original author is usually well-documented. For classical music, credit the original source by providing the year the work was originally published at the end of the reference in parentheses, preceded by the words “Original work published.” Both the original publication date and the date of the rerecorded work appear in the in-text citations, with the earlier year first, separated with a slash. These guidelines are shown in the following reference and in-text citations.

Classical song or track

Beethoven, L. van. (2012). Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major [Song recorded by Staatskapelle Dresden]. On Beethoven: Complete symphonies. Brilliant Classics. (Original work published 1804)

• Parenthetical citation: (Beethoven, 1804/2012)
• Narrative citation: Beethoven (1804/2012)

Include a URL in your reference if that location is the only means of retrieval of the song or track (e.g., for artists who provide music in only one location, such as SoundCloud or on their website).

More information on references for audio works can be found in Section 10.13 in the Publication Manual and Section 10.11 in the Concise Guide to APA Style .

Related and recent

Comments are disabled due to your privacy settings. To re-enable, please adjust your cookie preferences.

APA Style Monthly

Subscribe to the APA Style Monthly newsletter to get tips, updates, and resources delivered directly to your inbox.

Welcome! Thank you for subscribing.

APA Style Guidelines

Browse APA Style writing guidelines by category

• Abbreviations
• Bias-Free Language
• Capitalization
• In-Text Citations
• Italics and Quotation Marks
• Paper Format
• Punctuation
• Research and Publication
• Spelling and Hyphenation
• Tables and Figures

Full index of topics

• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Incorporate Lyrics Into an Essay

Lyrics can be effective tools in an essay. You may want to cite lyrics, because a song writer says something in an eloquent way, or the excerpt solidifies a point you’re trying to make. You are allowed to quote a portion of a song under the fair use doctrine of the United States copyright law, but the law doesn’t specify exactly how many words or what percentage of a song you can use. You can use a limited portion of a song for your research paper, but it must be acknowledged though in-text citations and a listing in your works cited or reference page.

Quotations and In-Text Citations

When incorporating lyrics into an essay, put the lyrics inside quotation marks. Short quotations can be integrated into a sentence, such as, “In the song ‘Hey Jude,’ the Beatles sing…” followed by the lyrics in quotation marks.

Long quotations, or those that are four lines or longer, need to be set off in a block quote, where you indent the entire quote from the paragraph above it. To cite the lyrics in Modern Language Association format, write the artists’ name in parentheses, such as (The Beatles), followed by the ending punctuation.

To cite in American Psychological Association format, include the artist, copyright date and track number in parentheses, such as (The Beatles, 1968, track 1). Note the comma between the artist and year and between the year and track number.

Reference List

Include the details of the recording in your works cited or references page. In MLA format, include the artist’s name, song title, album name, name of the recording manufacturer, publication date and the sound recording medium, for example:

The Beatles. “Hey Jude.” Hey Jude: The U. S. Album (italicized). Capitol, 2014. CD.

Citing this recording in APA style is slightly different, so follow the example:

The Beatles. (2014). Hey Jude. On Hey Jude: The U. S. Album (italicize the album name) [CD]. Los Angeles: Capitol (Recorded 1968).

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: In-Text Citations: The Basics
• Williams College Libraries: Media
• U. S. Copyright Office: Can I Use Someone Else's Work? Can Someone Else Use Mine?
• U. S. Copyright Office: Fair Use
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: MLA Works Cited: Other Common Sources
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Reference List: Other Non-Print Sources

Cara Batema is a musician, teacher and writer who specializes in early childhood, special needs and psychology. Since 2010, Batema has been an active writer in the fields of education, parenting, science and health. She holds a bachelor's degree in music therapy and creative writing.