How to Cite a Song

Proper citation is critical in academic writing.

Writers use lyrics to introduce a topic, emphasize a point or relate to their audience. Referencing song lyrics in your writing can add a creative flare and make it more enjoyable to read. There are several citation styles available to ensure that the songwriter is given the proper credit. Modern Language Association (MLA) and American Psychological Association (APA) are two of the most common writing styles used in academic writing. MLA style is used for citation in most liberal arts and humanities papers. APA Style is usually used in social sciences to cite sources.

Things You'll Need

• Performer's name
• Songwriter's name
• Album title
• Song title
• Publisher
• Copyright date

Instructions

MLA Style

1. Write the name of the performing artist followed by a period.

2. Write the name of the song in quotation marks.

3. Write the title of the album in italics, followed by a period.

4. Write the publisher's name followed by a comma.

5. Write the year of the copyright, then a period.

6. Write the type of file (CD, MP3, etc.).

APA Style

1. Write the name of the songwriter followed by a period.

2. Write the copyright year in parentheses followed by a period.

3. Write the song title followed by a period.

4. If the performer is different from the songwriter, write the song's artist in brackets followed by a period.

5. In italics, write the album title by writing, "On", then the album title followed by a period.

6. In brackets, write the type of file followed by a period.

7. Write where the song was recorded, a colon, the name of the publisher and then a period.

8. In parentheses, write the recording date if it is given and if it is different from the copyright year.

Tips & Warnings

• MLA Example

• The Roots. "A Peace of Light." How I Got Over. Def Jam Records, 2010. MP3

• APA Example

• Scott, Jill. (2007). "The Real Thing." On The Real Thing: Words & Sounds Vol. 3. [CD]. Santa Monica, California: Hidden Beach.

• Check your assignment guidelines or speak with your professor if you are unsure which style to use.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab

Resources

• Purdue Onlue Writing Lab