how to cite a song in mla

Dou Vamel yi

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16-01-2025

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Knowing how to cite a song in MLA format is crucial for academic integrity. Whether you're referencing a song in an essay, research paper, or bibliography, proper citation ensures you give credit to the original artists and avoid plagiarism. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, covering various scenarios.

Understanding MLA Song Citation Basics

The core elements of an MLA song citation remain consistent across different formats (single song, album track, streaming service, etc.). These elements are:

• Artist's Name. This is the performer or group who recorded the song.
• "Song Title." Enclose the song title in quotation marks.
• Album Title. Italicize the album title.
• Label, if known. Include the record label that released the album.
• Year. The year the album was released.
• Medium. Specify the medium, such as "CD," "LP," or "streaming audio."

How to Cite Different Song Formats in MLA

Here's a breakdown of how to cite songs in different contexts:

1. Citing a Song from an Album:

This is the most common scenario. The format is as follows:

Artist. "Song Title." Album Title, Label, Year, Medium.

Example:

Taylor Swift. "Shake It Off." 1989, Big Machine Records, 2014, CD.

2. Citing a Song from a Streaming Service:

If you accessed the song via a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music, you'll need to include the service name and the date you accessed it. Note that the album title may not be immediately available through some streaming services; if so, omit it.

Example:

Billie Eilish. "bad guy." WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Streaming audio, Spotify, accessed 20 Oct. 2023.

3. Citing a Song from a Compilation Album:

When citing a song from a compilation album (a collection of songs by various artists), treat the compilation album as the album title.

Example:

The Beatles. "Hey Jude." The Beatles 1967-1970, Apple Records, 1973, LP.

4. Citing a Live Performance:

If you're citing a live performance of a song, specify this in the medium.

Example:

Bruce Springsteen. "Born to Run." Live performance, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, 15 Oct. 2023.

5. Citing a Song with Multiple Artists:

If a song features multiple artists, list them in the order they appear on the recording.

Example:

Post Malone Featuring Swae Lee. "Sunflower." Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture), RCA Records, 2018, Streaming Audio.

6. Citing a Song with Unknown Information:

Sometimes you may not have access to all the required information. In such cases, provide as much information as you have. For example, if you don't know the label, omit it.

Adding Song Citations to Your Works Cited Page

After your main text, you will add a “Works Cited” page that lists every source you cite. This page will follow the same formatting guidelines as in-text citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a song in the body of my paper?

In the text of your paper, you'll use a parenthetical citation. It generally includes the artist's last name and the song title.

Example: (Swift, "Shake It Off").

What if the song is a cover version?

Cite the artist who performed the cover version, indicating it's a cover if needed within your text. If you are using the cover version as supporting evidence for the original song's impact, it may be appropriate to mention the original artist as well.

What if I only have the song title?

While ideal, a complete citation is best. However, if you only have the song title, you may need to conduct further research to find the artist and other information before citing it.

Conclusion

Properly citing a song in MLA format is essential for academic honesty. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to cite songs in various situations, enabling you to correctly attribute musical works in your writing. Remember to double-check your citations for accuracy before submitting your work.