how to write lyrics in an essay

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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!

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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.

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How to quote lyrics

Quoting song lyrics in your writing can add depth and emotion to your work, but it’s important to do so correctly and legally. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of quoting lyrics in a way that respects copyright laws and gives proper credit to the original artist.

Step 1: Determine if the lyrics are protected by copyright

Before quoting any lyrics, it’s important to ensure that they are not protected by copyright. Most song lyrics are protected for the lifetime of the artist plus an additional 70 years. You can usually find information about the copyright status of a song by conducting a quick search online or by checking with a copyright database.

Step 2: Obtain permission from the copyright holder

If the lyrics are still protected by copyright, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder before quoting them. This could be the artist, their publisher, or a licensing agency. Contact the appropriate party and request permission to quote the lyrics in your work. Be prepared to provide information about how and where you intend to use the lyrics.

Step 3: Use proper formatting and citation

When quoting lyrics, it’s important to use proper formatting and citation to give credit to the original artist. Enclose the lyrics in quotation marks and indicate the name of the song and the artist. If possible, include the album and year of release. This information can usually be found on the liner notes of the album or through an online music database.

For example: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day” (My Girl, The Temptations, 1964).

Step 4: Limit the length of the quote

When quoting lyrics, it’s important to limit the length of the quote to avoid infringing on the copyright holder’s rights. Typically, quoting a few lines or a verse is acceptable, but reproducing an entire song is not. Use your judgment and consider the purpose and context of your writing when determining how much of a song’s lyrics to quote.

By following these steps, you can quote song lyrics correctly and legally, adding depth and emotion to your writing while respecting the rights of the original artist. Remember to always give proper credit and seek permission when necessary to ensure that you are on the right side of copyright law.

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide

Quoting lyrics correctly and legally is important to avoid copyright infringement and to give credit to the original artists. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to quote lyrics correctly and legally:

Identify the song: Make sure you know the title of the song and the name of the artist or band that performed it.
Determine the purpose: Decide if you are quoting the lyrics for educational, informational, or creative purposes. Different purposes may have different rules and requirements.
Check the copyright status: Determine if the song is protected by copyright. Most songs released after 1923 are still protected, while older songs may be in the public domain.
Obtain permission: If the song is still protected by copyright, you need to obtain permission from the copyright holder to quote the lyrics. This usually involves contacting the artist or their management team and explaining the purpose of your quote.
Use fair use: In some cases, you may be able to use the lyrics under the fair use doctrine. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or parody.
Quote the lyrics: Once you have obtained permission or determined fair use, you can quote the lyrics in your work. Use quotation marks around the lyrics and include the title of the song and the name of the artist.
Cite the source: Provide proper citation for the lyrics by including the title of the song, the name of the artist, and any relevant publication information, such as the album or release date.
Avoid using too many lyrics: To stay within legal boundaries, avoid quoting an excessive amount of lyrics. Use only what is necessary for your purpose and always give credit to the original artist.

Following these steps will help you quote lyrics correctly and legally, ensuring that you respect the rights of the original artists and avoid any potential legal issues.

How to Quote Lyrics Correctly and Legally

When using lyrics in your writing, it is important to quote them correctly and legally. Whether you are writing a blog post, academic paper, or any other type of content, following the proper guidelines will help you avoid copyright infringement and ensure that you are giving proper credit to the original songwriter or artist.

Identify the song: Begin by clearly identifying the song and its creator. Include the title of the song and the songwriter or artist’s name.
Use quotation marks: When quoting lyrics, enclose them in quotation marks. This indicates that the words are a direct quotation from the original source.
Cite the source: Include information about the source of the lyrics, such as the album name, release year, and record label. This helps give context to your quotation and allows others to easily find the original source.
Provide songwriter credits: If possible, give credit to the songwriter or artist who wrote the lyrics. This shows respect for their work and acknowledges their contribution to the song.
Be mindful of fair use: Keep in mind that fair use laws may apply when quoting lyrics. Fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, or research. However, fair use is a complex legal concept, so it is wise to consult a legal professional if you are unsure.

Here is an example of how to quote lyrics correctly and legally:

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are quoting lyrics correctly and legally, while also giving credit to the original songwriter or artist. Remember to always be mindful of copyright laws and seek permission or consult a legal professional when necessary.

Understanding Copyright Laws

Copyright is a legal concept that grants exclusive rights to the creators of original works, such as lyrics, music, books, films, and artwork. These rights allow creators to control how their works are used and distributed, and to prevent others from using their creations without permission.

Protected Works

Lyrics and music: Songs and their accompanying lyrics, melodies, and harmonies
Literary works: Books, poetry, plays, and articles
Artistic works: Paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs
Films: Motion pictures, including the screenplay, soundtrack, and visual elements

Exclusive Rights

Creators of copyrighted works have the following exclusive rights:

Reproduction: The right to make copies of the work
Distribution: The right to distribute copies of the work to the public
Public performance and display: The right to perform or display the work in public
Derivative works: The right to create adaptations, translations, or other derivative works based on the original

Duration of Copyright

The duration of copyright protection depends on various factors, such as the type of work and the country in which it was created. In general, copyright protection lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus an additional period of time after their death.

Obtaining Permission

If you want to quote lyrics or use copyrighted material in your own work, it is important to obtain permission from the copyright holder. This can often be done by contacting the publisher or rights organization associated with the work.

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. This includes activities such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, teaching, and research. However, the determination of fair use can be subjective and depends on factors such as the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect on the market for the original work.

Understanding copyright laws is essential when quoting lyrics or using copyrighted material. By respecting the rights of creators and obtaining proper permissions when necessary, you can ensure that you are using works legally and avoiding potential legal issues.

Determining Fair Use

When using lyrics in your work, it is important to determine whether your use falls under fair use guidelines. Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

According to the United States Copyright Act, there are four factors to consider when determining fair use:

The purpose and character of the use: The purpose and character of your use is important in determining fair use. Transformative uses, such as using lyrics to illustrate a point or for educational purposes, are more likely to be considered fair use.
The nature of the copyrighted work: The nature of the copyrighted work refers to whether the work is creative or factual. Using lyrics from a creative work, such as a song, may be less likely to be considered fair use compared to using lyrics from a factual work.
The amount and substantiality of the portion used: The amount and substantiality of the lyrics used is a key factor in determining fair use. Using a small portion of the lyrics, rather than the entire song, may be more likely to be considered fair use.
The effect of the use on the market: The effect of your use on the market for the original work is also important to consider. If your use of lyrics negatively impacts the market for the original song, it may not be considered fair use.

It is important to note that fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis, and there is no set formula for determining whether a particular use is fair. The factors mentioned above are guidelines that courts use to analyze fair use claims, but ultimately, the decision is made by a judge.

If you’re unsure whether your use of lyrics falls under fair use, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional who can provide specific advice based on your situation.

When quoting lyrics in your work, it is important to obtain permission from the copyright holder. This is because song lyrics are protected by copyright laws, and using them without permission may incur legal liabilities. Obtaining permission is a crucial step in ensuring that your use of lyrics is both correct and legal.

Here are the steps you can follow to obtain permission to quote lyrics:

Identify the copyright holder: First, you need to determine who owns the rights to the lyrics you want to quote. This can be the songwriter, the music publisher, or a specific music label. You can usually find this information by doing some research online or by contacting the artist’s management or record label.
Contact the copyright holder: Once you have identified the copyright holder, reach out to them to request permission to quote the lyrics. You can do this by sending an email or a formal letter explaining your intended use of the lyrics and asking for permission. Make sure to provide specifics about how you plan to use the lyrics, including the context, the purpose, and the duration of the quote.
Negotiate terms: If the copyright holder grants permission, you may need to negotiate the terms of the quote. This can include specifying the exact lyrics you are allowed to use, any limitations on the usage (such as a maximum number of words or lines), and any fees or royalties that may need to be paid. It’s important to document these negotiations and have a clear understanding of the agreed-upon terms.
Obtain a written agreement: Once the terms have been agreed upon, it is essential to obtain a written agreement or a license from the copyright holder. This agreement should outline the details of the permission granted, including the specific lyrics, the duration of use, any restrictions or limitations, and any payment obligations. Keep a copy of this agreement for your records.

Remember, obtaining permission is crucial to ensure that your use of lyrics is legal and avoids any copyright infringement issues. Failure to obtain permission may result in legal action, including potential fines and damages. Always respect the rights of copyright holders and follow the necessary steps to obtain permission before quoting song lyrics.

Crediting the Artist

Crediting the artist is an essential part of quoting lyrics correctly and legally. It not only gives proper recognition to the creator of the lyrics but also ensures that you are respecting their rights as an artist.

When crediting the artist, you should include their name, the song title, and the album it is from. This information should be provided in the following format:

Additionally, you can include the year the album was released if you have that information available.

It’s important to note that simply providing the artist’s name or the song title may not be sufficient. Including the album information helps to ensure that the lyrics are properly attributed to the correct source. This is especially important if there are multiple versions or covers of the song.

If you are quoting lyrics from a live performance or a specific version of the song, you should also mention this in your citation. For example:

“[Lyrics]” – [Artist Name] (Live at [Venue], [Date])

By properly crediting the artist and providing accurate information about the song and album, you are demonstrating respect for their work and complying with copyright laws.

Formatting the Lyrics

When quoting lyrics in your article, it’s important to format them correctly to ensure clarity for your readers. Here are some guidelines on how to format lyrics:

Italicize the lyrics: Enclose the lyrics in italics to clearly differentiate them from the surrounding text.
Indent the lyrics: Indent the lyrics by placing a double space or using a blockquote element to set them apart from the regular text. This helps readers identify the lyrics as a distinct section.
Punctuate the lyrics: Keep the original punctuation of the lyrics intact, including commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks.
Preserve line breaks: If the lyrics have line breaks, replicate them in your quote. Use the br tag to indicate line breaks within a line of lyrics.
Use ellipses for omitted sections: If you need to omit a portion of the lyrics for brevity or relevance, use an ellipsis (…) to show the omission. Ensure that the meaning and context of the lyrics are not altered by the omission.
Include proper attribution: Always include the name of the song, the artist or band, and the album (if applicable) when quoting lyrics. This helps readers identify the source of the lyrics and gives credit to the original creator.

Here’s an example of properly formatted lyrics:

By including accurate song information, you ensure that your readers can easily verify the lyrics and give proper credit to the original creators.

Getting a License

If you want to quote lyrics in your work legally, it is important to obtain the necessary licenses. Here are the steps to getting a license:

Determine the copyright owner: Before you can get a license, you need to find out who owns the rights to the lyrics you want to quote. This could be the songwriter, the music publisher, or a copyright licensing agency.
Contact the copyright owner: Once you have identified the copyright owner, reach out to them to inquire about obtaining a license. Provide details about your project, including how you intend to use the lyrics and the expected audience.
Negotiate the terms: Work with the copyright owner to negotiate the terms of the license agreement. This may include discussing the duration of the license, the payment amount, and any restrictions on how the lyrics can be used.
Sign the agreement: Once the terms have been agreed upon, sign the license agreement. Make sure you carefully read and understand all the terms before signing.
Pay the licensing fee: Typically, you will need to pay a fee to obtain the license. The amount will depend on various factors such as the length of the lyrics and the purpose of your use.
Keep documentation: It is essential to keep copies of all the licensing agreements and proof of payment. This documentation will serve as evidence that you obtained the necessary licenses and can be important in case of any legal disputes.

Remember that each licensing situation can be unique, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a legal professional who specializes in copyright law to ensure you are following all the necessary steps and abiding by the applicable regulations.

Avoiding Legal Issues

When quoting lyrics, it is important to be aware of potential legal issues to ensure you are using them correctly and legally. Follow these guidelines to avoid any legal complications:

Obtain proper permissions: Before quoting lyrics from a song, it is essential to obtain permission from the copyright holder. This can be the songwriter, the music publisher, or a performing rights organization.
Use short excerpts: To minimize the risk of copyright infringement, limit the length of the lyrics you quote. Stick to short excerpts and avoid quoting entire songs.
Credit the artist and songwriter: Always give proper credit to the artist and songwriter when quoting lyrics. Include their names in your quotation to acknowledge their work.
Avoid commercial use: If you plan to use quoted lyrics for commercial purposes, such as in a book or a product, it is crucial to obtain explicit permission from the copyright holder.
Use quotes sparingly: While it may be tempting to use lyrics extensively, try to use them sparingly and only when they add value or enhance the message of your work. Overuse of lyrics can increase the risk of copyright infringement.
Stick to public domain songs: When in doubt, consider quoting lyrics from songs that are in the public domain. These are songs whose copyrights have expired, and their lyrics can be used freely without permission.
Seek legal advice: In case of any uncertainty or significant usage of lyrics, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional who specializes in copyright law. They can provide specific guidance to ensure your use of lyrics is in compliance with the law.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of legal issues when quoting lyrics and ensure that you are using them correctly and legally.

Question and answer:

What is the purpose of quoting lyrics.

The purpose of quoting lyrics is to use them as a reference or to enhance the message or meaning of a written work, such as an article, essay, or book.

Why is it important to quote lyrics correctly?

Quoting lyrics correctly is important to avoid copyright infringement and legal issues. It also gives credit to the original artist and ensures accuracy in the content you are creating.

How can I quote lyrics legally?

To quote lyrics legally, you need to obtain permission from the copyright holder, typically the music publisher or songwriter. You can also rely on fair use or public domain guidelines, but it is always best to seek permission to avoid any legal complications.

What are the steps to quote lyrics correctly?

The steps to quote lyrics correctly include identifying the songwriter or music publisher, obtaining permission if necessary, properly attributing the lyrics to the original artist, properly formatting the lyrics in your work, and providing a citation or source for the lyrics.

Can I quote lyrics without permission if I credit the artist?

While providing credit to the artist is important, you still need to obtain permission from the copyright holder to quote lyrics legally. Crediting the artist alone does not exempt you from copyright infringement.

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How to cite a song in MLA

How to Cite a Song in MLA | Format & Examples

Published on December 3, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 5, 2024.

The format for citing a song in MLA depends on the medium in which you listened to it.

To cite a song accessed through an online streaming service, list the performer (or group) as author, the song title in quotation marks, the name of the site in italics, and the URL where the song can be found. Omit “the” from a band name, e.g. “Beatles,” not “the Beatles.”

If relevant, use a timestamp to indicate a specific part of the song in the in-text citation.

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Citing songs in physical formats, quoting lyrics, optional details to include in an mla song citation, frequently asked questions about mla citations.

To cite a song you accessed in a physical format (e.g. CD, vinyl), include details about the album (or single, EP, etc.) it appears on: the title, distributor, year, and, optionally, the format (e.g. “CD”).

This format also applies to songs you downloaded and accessed through a media player (e.g. iTunes).

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Quote lyrics from a song in a similar format to poetry : separate lines with a slash symbol, and format four or more lines quoted at once as a block quote .

If you’re quoting these lyrics from a transcript included alongside the song (e.g. in the description on YouTube, in the accompanying booklet to a CD), then you should clarify this at the end of the Works Cited entry.

MLA’s citation style is flexible; some details are not mandatory in a song citation but can be included when relevant.

For example, if your discussion focuses on the work of a particular musician, you can list them in the author position instead of the main artist, along with a description of their role. The main artist should still be listed later in the contributor slot.

Especially with classical music, it may be more relevant to cite the composer rather than the performer in the author position. You can then list the particular performer(s) and/or conductor after the title. If the particular performance is irrelevant, you might omit this information entirely.

When citing a song in MLA style , the author is usually the main artist or group that released the song.

However, if your discussion focuses on the contributions of a specific performer, e.g. a guitarist or singer, you may list them as author, even if they are not the main artist. If you’re discussing the lyrics or composition, you may cite the songwriter or composer rather than a performer.

In an MLA song citation , you need to give some sort of container to indicate how you accessed the song. If this is a physical or downloaded album, the Works Cited entry should list the album name, distributor, year, and format.

However, if you listened to the song on a streaming service, you can just list the site as a container, including a URL. In this case, including the album details is optional; you may add this information if it is relevant to your discussion or if it will help the reader access the song.

If a source has no author, start the MLA Works Cited entry with the source title . Use a shortened version of the title in your MLA in-text citation .

If a source has no page numbers, you can use an alternative locator (e.g. a chapter number, or a timestamp for a video or audio source) to identify the relevant passage in your in-text citation. If the source has no numbered divisions, cite only the author’s name (or the title).

If you already named the author or title in your sentence, and there is no locator available, you don’t need a parenthetical citation:

Rajaram argues that representations of migration are shaped by “cultural, political, and ideological interests.”
The homepage of The Correspondent describes it as “a movement for radically different news.”

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Caulfield, J. (2024, March 05). How to Cite a Song in MLA | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/song-citation/

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How do I cite song lyrics?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

The way you cite song lyrics will vary depending on how you access them and how much information you include in the body of your essay.

If you cite song lyrics from a CD you listened to, you might simply refer to the song in your essay:

“You say you got a real solution,” the Beatles sing in “Revolution 1.”

You can then provide a works-cited-list entry for the album that contains the song. Follow the MLA format template : list the name of the performer or band as the author, the name of the album as the title of the source, the publisher, and the date. In the optional-element slot at the end of the entry, list the format:

Beatles. The Beatles . EMI Records, 1968. CD.

If you cite song lyrics from a booklet accompanying the CD, list a description in the “Title of source” slot and the name of the album as the title of the container:

Beatles. Booklet. The Beatles , EMI Records, 1968.

If you cite lyrics from a website, provide a description in place of the title. Then provide the name of the website, publication information for the site, and the URL:

Beatles. Lyrics to “Revolution 1.” Genius , 2017, genius.com/The-beatles-revolution-i-lyrics.

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In literary nonfiction, no form is quite as complicated as the lyric essay. Lyrical essays explore the elements of poetry and creative nonfiction in complex and experimental ways, combining the subject matter of autobiography with poetry’s figurative devices and musicality of language.

For both poets and creative nonfiction writers, lyric essays are a gold standard of experimentation and language, but conquering the form takes lots of practice. What is a lyric essay, and how do you write one? Let’s break down this challenging CNF form, with lyric essay examples, before examining how you might approach it yourself.

Want to explore the lyric essay further? See our lyric essay writing course with instructor Gretchen Clark.

What is a lyric essay?

The lyric essay combines the autobiographical information of a personal essay with the figurative language, forms, and experimentations of poetry. In the lyric essay, the rules of both poetry and prose become suggestions, because the form of the essay is constantly changing, adapting to the needs, ideas, and consciousness of the writer.

Lyric essay definition: The lyric essay combines autobiographical writing with the figurative language, forms, and experimentations of poetry.

Lyric essays are typically written in a poetic prose style . (We’ll expand on the difference between prose poetry and lyric essay shortly.) Lyric essays employ many of the poetic devices that poets use, including devices of repetition and rhetorical devices in literature.

That said, there are few conventions for the lyric essay, other than to experiment, experiment, experiment. While the form itself is an essay, there’s no reason you can’t break the bounds of expression.

One tactic, for example, is to incorporate poetry into the essay itself. You might start your essay with a normal paragraph, then describe something specific through a sonnet or villanelle , then express a different idea through a POV shift, a list, or some other form. Lyric essays can also borrow from the braided essay, the hermit crab, and other forms of creative nonfiction .

In truth, there’s very little that unifies all lyric essays, because they’re so wildly experimental. They’re also a bit tricky to define—the line between a lyric essay and the prose poem, in particular, is very hazy.

Rather than apply a one-size-fits-all definition for the lyric essay, which doesn’t exist, let’s pay close attention to how lyric essayists approach the open-ended form.

There are few conventions for the lyric essay, other than to experiment, experiment, experiment

Personal essay vs. lyric essay: An example of each

At its simplest, the lyric essay’s prose style is different from that of the personal essay, or other forms of creative nonfiction.

Personal essay example

Here are the opening two paragraphs from Beth Ann Fennelly’s personal essay “ I Survived the Blizzard of ’79. ”

“We didn’t question. Or complain. It wouldn’t have occurred to us, and it wouldn’t have helped. I was eight. Julie was ten.

We didn’t know yet that this blizzard would earn itself a moniker that would be silk-screened on T-shirts. We would own such a shirt, which extended its tenure in our house as a rag for polishing silver.”

The prose in this personal essay excerpt is descriptive, linear, and easy to understand. Fennelly gives us the information we need to make sense of her world, as well as the foreshadow of what’s to come in her essay.

Lyric essay example

Now, take this excerpt from a lyric essay, “ Life Code ” by J. A. Knight:

“The dream goes like this: blue room of water. God light from above. Child’s fist, foot, curve, face, the arc of an eye, the symmetry of circles… and then an opening of this body—which surprised her—a movement so clean and assured and then the push towards the light like a frog or a fish.”

The prose in Knight’s lyric essay cannot be read the same way as a personal essay might be. Here, Knight’s prose is a sort of experience—a way of exploring the dream through language as shifting and ethereal as dreams themselves. Where the personal essay transcribes experiences, the lyric essay creates them.

Where the personal essay transcribes experiences, the lyric essay creates them.

For more examples of the craft, The Seneca Review and Eastern Iowa Review both have a growing archive of lyric essays submitted to their journals. In essence, there is no form to a lyric essay—rather, form and language are experimented with interchangeably, guided only by the narrative you seek to write.

Lyric Essay Vs Prose Poem

Lyric essays are commonly confused with prose poetry . In truth, there is no clear line separating the two, and plenty of essays, including some of the lyric essay examples in this article, can also be called prose poems.

Well, what’s the difference? A prose poem, broadly defined, is a poem written in paragraphs. Unlike a traditional poem, the prose poem does not make use of line breaks: the line breaks simply occur at the end of the page. However, all other tactics of poetry are in the prose poet’s toolkit, and you can even play with poetry forms in the prose poem, such as writing the prose sonnet .

Lyric essays also blend the techniques of prose and poetry. Here are some general differences between the two:

Lyric essays tend to be longer. A prose poem is rarely more than a page. Some lyric essays are longer than 20 pages.
Lyric essays tend to be more experimental. One paragraph might be in prose, the next, poetry. The lyric essay might play more with forms like lists, dreams, public signs, or other types of media and text.
Prose poems are often more stream-of-conscious. The prose poet often charts the flow of their consciousness on the page. Lyric essayists can do this, too, but there’s often a broader narrative organizing the piece, even if it’s not explicitly stated or recognizable.

The two share many similarities, too, including:

An emphasis on language, musicality, and ambiguity.
Rejection of “objective meaning” and the desire to set forth arguments.
An unobstructed flow of ideas.
Suggestiveness in thoughts and language, rather than concrete, explicit expressions.
Surprising or unexpected juxtapositions .
Ingenuity and play with language and form.

In short, there’s no clear dividing line between the two. Often, the label of whether a piece is a lyric essay or a prose poem is up to the writer.

Lyric Essay Examples

The following lyric essay examples are contemporary and have been previously published online. Pay attention to how the lyric essayists interweave the essay form with a poet’s attention to language, mystery, and musicality.

“Lodge: A Lyric Essay” by Emilia Phillips

Retrieved here, from Blackbird .

This lush, evocative lyric essay traverses the American landscape. The speaker reacts to this landscape finding poetry in the rundown, and seeing her own story—family trauma, religion, and the random forces that shape her childhood. Pay attention to how the essay defies conventional standards of self-expression. In between narrative paragraphs are lists, allusions, memories, and the many twists and turns that seem to accompany the narrator on their journey through Americana.

“Spiral” by Nicole Callihan

Retrieved here, from Birdcoat Quarterly .

Notice how this gorgeous essay evolves down the spine of its central theme: the sleepless swallows. The narrator records her thoughts about the passage of time, her breast examination, her family and childhood, and the other thoughts that arise in her mind as she compares them, again and again, to the mysterious swallows who fly without sleep. This piece demonstrates how lyric essays can encompass a wide array of ideas and threads, creating a kaleidoscope of language for the reader to peer into, come away with something, peer into again, and always see something different.

“Star Stuff” by Jessica Franken

Retrieved here, from Seneca Review .

This short, imagery -driven lyric essay evokes wonder at our seeming smallness, our seeming vastness. The narrator juxtaposes different ideas for what the body can become, playing with all our senses and creating odd, surprising connections. Read this short piece a few times. Ask yourself, why are certain items linked together in the same paragraph? What is the train of thought occurring in each new sentence, each new paragraph? How does the final paragraph wrap up the lyric essay, while also leaving it open ended? There’s much to interpret in this piece, so engage with it slowly, read it over several times.

5 approaches to writing the lyric essay

This form of creative writing is tough for writers because there’s no proper formula for writing it. However, if you have a passion for imaginative forms and want to rise to the challenge, here are several different ways to write your essay.

1. Start with your narrative

Writing the lyrical essay is a lot like writing creative nonfiction: it starts with getting words on the page. Start with a simple outline of the story you’re looking to write. Focus on the main plot points and what you want to explore, then highlight the ideas or events that will be most difficult for you to write about. Often, the lyrical form offers the writer a new way to talk about something difficult. Where words fail, form is key. Combining difficult ideas and musicality allows you to find the right words when conventional language hasn’t worked.

Emilia Phillips’ lyric essay “ Lodge ” does exactly this, letting the story’s form emphasize its language and the narrative Phillips writes about dreams, traveling, and childhood emotions.

2. Identify moments of metaphor and figurative language

The lyric essay is liberated from form, rather than constrained by it. In a normal essay, you wouldn’t want your piece overrun by figurative language, but here, boundless metaphors are encouraged—so long as they aid your message. For some essayists, it might help to start by reimagining your story as an extended metaphor.

A great example of this is Zadie Smith’s essay “ The Lazy River ,” which uses the lazy river as an extended metaphor to criticize a certain “go with the flow” mindset.

Use extended metaphors as a base for the essay, then return to it during moments of transition or key insight. Writing this way might help ground your writing process while giving you new opportunities to play with form.

3. Investigate and braid different threads

Just like the braided essay , lyric essays can certainly braid different story lines together. If anything, the freedom to play with form makes braiding much easier and more exciting to investigate. How can you use poetic forms to braid different ideas together? Can you braid an extended metaphor with the main story? Can you separate the threads into a contrapuntal, then reunite them in prose?

A simple example of threading in lyric essay is Jane Harrington’s “ Ossein Pith .” Harrington intertwines the “you” and “I” of the story, letting each character meet only when the story explores moments of “hunger.”

Whichever threads you choose to write, use the freedom of the lyric essay to your advantage in exploring the story you’re trying to set down.

4. Revise an existing piece into a lyric essay

Some CNF writers might find it easier to write their essay, then go back and revise with the elements of poetic form and figurative language. If you choose to take this route, identify the parts of your draft that don’t seem to be working, then consider changing the form into something other than prose.

For example, you might write a story, then realize it would greatly benefit the prose if it was written using the poetic device of anaphora (a repetition device using a word or phrase at the beginning of a line or paragraph). Chen Li’s lyric essay “ Baudelaire Street ” does a great job of this, using the anaphora “I would ride past” to explore childhood memory.

When words don’t work, let the lyrical form intervene.

5. Write stream-of-conscious

Stream-of-consciousness is a writing technique in which the writer charts, word-for-word, the exact order of their unfiltered thoughts on the page.

If it isn’t obvious, this is easier said than done. We naturally think faster than we write, and we also have a tendency to filter our thoughts as we think them, to the point where many thoughts go unconsciously unnoticed. Unlearning this takes a lot of practice and skill.

Nonetheless, you might notice in the lyric essay examples we shared how the essayists followed different associations with their words, one thought flowing naturally into the next, circling around a subject rather than explicitly defining it. The stream-of-conscious technique is perfect for this kind of writing, then, because it earnestly excavates the mind, creating a kind of Rorschach test that the reader can look into, interpret, see for themselves.

This technique requires a lot of mastery, but if you’re keen on capturing your own consciousness, you may find that the lyric essay form is the perfect container to hold it in.

Closing thoughts on the lyric essay form

Creative nonfiction writers have an overt desire to engage their readers with insightful stories. When language fails, the lyrical essay comes to the rescue. Although this is a challenging form to master, practicing different forms of storytelling could pave new avenues for your next nonfiction piece. Try using one of these different ways to practice the lyric craft, and get writing your next CNF story!

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I agree with every factor that you have pointed out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this. A personal essay is writing that shares an interesting, thought-provoking, sometimes entertaining, and humorous piece that is often drawn from the writer’s personal experience and at times drawn from the current affairs of the world.

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