Mastering MLA Song Lyrics Citation: A Comprehensive Guide
Citing song lyrics in MLA format might seem like a daunting task, but with our comprehensive guide, you'll be able to navigate through this process with ease. We'll break down the rules, provide examples, and ensure you understand how to cite song lyrics accurately and effectively.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation
Before we dive into citing song lyrics, let's quickly recap the basics of MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style. MLA is primarily used in the humanities, especially in language and literature. It focuses on the author's last name and the page number where the information is found. Here's a simple in-text citation format:
According to Smith (42),...
Citing Song Lyrics: In-Text Citations
When citing song lyrics in the body of your paper, you'll use the author's last name and the track number or line number, depending on the situation. Here's how you can do it:
- If you're referring to a specific line or lines, use the line number(s) in your in-text citation:
According to Dylan (lines 5-6), "The times they are a-changin'."
- If you're referring to a whole song or a specific part of it without mentioning a particular line, use the track number:
As Dylan states in "Blowin' in the Wind" (track 1),...
Citing Song Lyrics: Works Cited
The "Works Cited" page is where you'll provide detailed information about the song and its source. Here's how you can format it:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| For a song on an album: | Dylan, Bob. "Blowin' in the Wind." The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, Columbia Records, 1963, p. 1. |
| For a song on a soundtrack: | Dylan, Bob. "Blowin' in the Wind." The Wonder Boys: Music from the Motion Picture, Sony Music, 2000, p. 1. |
| For a song from a music streaming service: | Dylan, Bob. "Blowin' in the Wind." Spotify, Spotify AB, web. |
Remember to alphabetize your "Works Cited" list by the author's last name, and use hanging indents for each entry.
Citing Lyrics from Printed Sources
If you're using a printed source like a songbook or a book of lyrics, the citation format remains the same. Just make sure to include the page number where the lyrics can be found:
Dylan, Bob. "Blowin' in the Wind," The Lyrics: 1961-2012, Simon and Schuster, 2014, p. 1.
Citing Lyrics from Online Sources
When citing lyrics from online sources, make sure to include the website's name and the URL. If the website doesn't have a clear author or publication date, you can use the title of the webpage instead:
Dylan, Bob. "Blowin' in the Wind." Genius, Genius Media Group Inc., web.
Citing Lyrics from Music Videos
If you're citing lyrics from a music video, you'll need to include the director's name and the title of the video:
Dylan, Bob. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" [Music video]. Directed by Erik Darling, Columbia Records, 1965, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh8Z2zU4xgY.
Citing song lyrics in MLA format might seem complex at first, but with our guide, you're now equipped to handle any citation challenge that comes your way. Happy writing!
![[Examples] How to Cite a Song in MLA Format?](https://videoconvert.minitool.com/images/uploads/articles/2022/06/cite-a-song-in-mla/cite-a-song-in-mla-thumbnail.png)
