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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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Table of contents

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 September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/song-citation/

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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 .

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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/.

How to Cite Song Lyrics in Different Formats With Examples

• Icon Calendar 16 May 2024
• Icon Page 1776 words
• Icon Clock 8 min read

Songs contain lyrics that can support arguments made in scholarly papers. Basically, MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard referencing styles rely on different rules for in-text citations and bibliographic entries. In this case, significant differences include orders or names, use of capital letters and sentence cases, and sequence of bibliographic details. For example, bibliographic entries in MLA 7 and Chicago/Turabian formats should have a song’s titles in a title case. However, song’s titles must appear in a sentence case for APA 7 and Harvard format styles. In all referencing styles, writers may use parenthetical or narrative in-text citations. Also, parenthetical in-text citations should appear inside rounded brackets. In turn, only the MLA 9 style does not require an author-date format for in-text citations. Besides, the MLA referencing style requires students to use the artist’s name and the section cited. In particular, parts of songs refer to the duration of time that contains quoted lyrics. Also, a prudent writer includes the production date inside the essay’s body. Finally, one should include URL links for songs located in online databases. Hence, students need to learn how to cite song lyrics in MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard formats.

General Guidelines for Using Music Lyrics in MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard Styles

Songs are suitable sources of information used in scholarly papers. For example, students in literature write papers analyzing specific song lyrics. In most cases, instructions require them to use different referencing styles to cite song lyrics. Basically, MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard referencing styles rely on different rules for in-text citations and bibliographic entries. Also, the most significant differences include orders or names, use of capital letters and sentence cases, and sequence of bibliographic details. However, credible papers must follow the necessary guidelines to avoid possible cases of plagiarism. Hence, this guide provides key steps that a writer must follow when citing song lyrics MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard styles.   

How to Cite Song Lyrics in MLA 9

1. in-text citation rules for citing music lyrics in mla 9.

MLA citation requires writers to use the artist’s name and the section cited. Basically, parts of songs refer to the duration of time that contains the quoted lyrics. In this case, one can use both parenthetical and narrative in-text citations when writing scholarly papers. In practice, parenthetical in-text citations should include the artist’s name and the time containing the cited lyric. Also, these details should appear inside rounded brackets at the end of a sentence. Hence, writers should separate the name and time using a black space.

Citation scheme for song lyrics in MLA 9:

• (Name Time)

In-text citation example for citing music lyrics in MLA 9:

• (Knowles-Carter 2:00-3:01)

Narrative in-text citations contain similar details as parenthetical ones. However, only the time should appear in rounded brackets at the end of the sentence.

Example of a narrative in-text citation for song lyrics in MLA 9:

• According to Knowles-Carter, … (2:00-3:01).

2. Full Bibliographic Entry on Works Cited for Song Lyrics in MLA 9

Music exists in multiple ways, which depends on the container that a writer may access. For example, music citations in MLA 9 begin with last names of artists. In some instances, writers may opt to use composers or performers in the absence of the artist’s surnames. Otherwise, one must note composers and performers after the album’s title. In turn, the song’s title must appear inside double quotation marks, while the album’s entry should look as italicized. Besides, one must use the title case for the song’s entry. Then, other essential details include the recording manufacturer and the publication date where applicable.

Example of a bibliographic entry on Works Cited for song lyrics in MLA 9:

• Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé Giselle. “Irreplaceable.” Lemonade, Parkwood Entertainment, 2009, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ.  

The bibliographic entry should begin with the artist’s surname followed by the first and second names. Periods should support the artist’s names, title, and URL link for music available online. However, a comma should follow the album, producer, and publication year.

3. MLA Footnote for Song Lyrics

MLA referencing style requires writers to use references when providing long explanations. In this case, MLA footnotes contain details that may distract readers. As a rule, one should use numerical footnote callouts inside the body text. Moreover, footnote callouts should appear as a suffix. In turn, actual footnotes must look at the bottom of the page containing the callout. Hence, the following is an example of a possible note: 

Footnote example for song lyrics in MLA 9:

• 1 For more relevant lyrics, listen to the section between the second and third minutes.

How to Cite Song Lyrics in APA 7

1. in-text citation rules for citing music lyrics in apa 7.

APA style requires writers to use parenthetical or narrative in-text citations. Basically, writers should use the artist’s surname and production date. In some cases, one may include the truck number in the in-text citation where applicable.

Citation schemes for song lyrics in APA 7:

• (Surname, Date)
• According to Surname (date), … .

Parenthetical citation sample for song lyrics in APA 7:

• (Knowles-Carter, 2009)

Narrative in-text citation example for citing music lyrics in APA 7:

• Knowles-Carter (2009) sang about the value of a romantic partner… .

2. Reference Entry for Song Lyrics in APA 7

Bibliographic entries in APA 7 should appear on the last page of any essay or research paper. As a rule, reference entries should contain the artist’s surname, song’s title, medium, and producer and URL link where applicable. Also, bibliographic entries must appear in the sentence case. Hence, the following is an example of the reference entry.

Example of a reference entry for song lyrics in APA 7:

• Knowles-Carter, B. G. (2009). Irreplaceable [CD]. Parkwood Entertainment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ

3. APA Footnote for Song Lyrics

The following is an example of a possible footnote.

Footnote example for song lyrics in APA 7:

• 1 For more details about the importance of love, listen to the section between the second and third minutes.

How to Cite Song Lyrics in Chicago/Turabian

1. in-text citation rules for citing music lyrics in chicago/turabian.

The Chicago/Turabian citation style requires writers to use music lyrics to support their central arguments. As a rule, all citations must contain an accurate date. Besides, students should use the recording date as opposed to the release year. In turn, the Chicago/Turabian style requires one to use two in-text citation types, which include parenthetical citations or footnotes.

Parenthetical in-text citation for song lyrics in Chicago/Turabian:

Parenthetical citations in Chicago/Turabian should include the artist’s surname and production date. Basically, writers should separate these details with space, which must appear inside rounded brackets at the end of a sentence. Hence, the following is an example that one should use:

In-text citation scheme:

• (Artist Date)

Actual in-text citation:

• (Knowles-Carter 2009)

2. Bibliography Entry for Song Lyrics in Chicago/Turabian

Chicago/Turabian bibliographic entries should appear on the essay’s last page. Basically, a credible bibliographic entry should contain the artist, the song’s title, recording data, producers, and medium. However, one may include the URL link of the song where necessary. Also, the song’s title must appear as italicized for the bibliographic entry. Hence, the following is the scheme required and actual example.

Bibliography scheme for song lyrics in Chicago/Turabian:

• Name of group or composer or performer.  Title . Contributing personnel. Recording date. Recording Company or Publisher, medium.

Example of a bibliography entry for song lyrics in Chicago/Turabian:

• Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé Giselle. Irreplaceable . 2009. Parkwood Entertainment, CD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ.

3. Chicago/Turabian Footnote for Song Lyrics

Writers should use footnote callouts in the text body. Basically, numerical callouts should follow ending punctuation marks, like periods and question and exclamation marks. In this case, Chicago/Turabian footnote containing the bibliographic entry should appear at the bottom of the page. Also, each note should have a binary number that corresponds to the one used in the callout. However, a period should follow the numeral used. Besides, the artist’s name should appear in the standard form, which begins with the first name for the first in-text citation. Hence, the following is the scheme and actual in-text citation.

Footnote scheme for song lyrics in Chicago/Turabian:

• 1. Name of group/composer/performer, “Title,” contributing personnel, recording date, Recording Company or Publisher, track number on Name of Album , year of release, medium.

Example of a Chicago/Turabian footnote for song lyrics:

• 1. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, “Irreplaceable,” recorded February 2009, on Lemonade , Parkwood Entertainment, CD, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ.

How to Cite Song Lyrics in Harvard

1. in-text citation rules for citing music lyrics in harvard.

The Harvard referencing style requires writers to use parenthetical or narrative in-text citations. As a rule, in-text citations must include the artist’s surname and production date. For parenthetical in-text citations, students should separate the artist’s surname and production date with space.

Citation schemes for song lyrics in Harvard:

• (Surname Date)
• Surname (Date) sang … .

Parenthetical citation sample for song lyrics in Harvard:

Narrative in-text citation example for citing music lyrics in Harvard:

• Knowles-Carter (2009) sang about the importance of valuing romantic love.

2. Reference Entry for Song Lyrics in Harvard

Bibliographic entries in Harvard should appear on the last page of essays and research papers. As a rule, Harvard references should contain the artist’s surname, song’s title, medium, and producer. Moreover, the song’s title must appear in sentence case and be italicized. In this case, a prudent writer must use commas to separate all the details in the entry. Besides, reference entries should begin with the author’s surname followed by the initials of other names. Hence, the following is an example of a reference entry for song lyrics in Harvard.

• Knowles-Carter, BG 2009, Irreplaceable , CD, Parkwood Entertainment.

3. Harvard Footnote for Song Lyrics

The following is an example of a possible note.

• 1 For more details about valuing one’s romantic partner, listen to the section between the first and third minutes.

Songs contain lyrics that can support the main arguments presented in scholarly articles. In this case, MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard referencing styles rely on different rules. Also, one should consider the following guidelines on how to cite song lyrics in MLA 9, APA 7, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard when using such sources in essays and research papers.

• Bibliographic entries in MLA 9 and Chicago/Turabian should have song titles in a title case.
• Song’s title must appear in sentence cases for APA 7 and Harvard styles.
• In all referencing styles, writers may use parenthetical or narrative in-text citations.
• Only the MLA style does not require an author-date format for the in-text citation.

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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 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 321,627 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

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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

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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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Q. How should I reference song lyrics in APA Style?

• 3 Academic Integrity
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Answered By: Theresa Bell (she/her/hers) Last Updated: Nov 02, 2021     Views: 148409

APA Style (7th ed.)

If you retrieved the lyrics directly from listening to the song, reference the song using the following general example:

Lastname, A. (year). Title of song [Song]. On Title of album. Record Label.

• In-text citation: (Lastname, year, timestamp)

Lastname, A. (year). Title of song [Song]. On Title of album . Record Label. URL

• Provide the name of the recording artist for modern music and the name of the composer for classical music (APA, 2020, p. 341).
• "Include a URL in the reference if that location is the only means of retrieval (e.g., for artists who provide music in only one locations, such as SoundCloud or on their website)" (APA, 2020, p. 345)

If you retrieved the lyrics from a YouTube video , sheet music, or a web page , please use the formatting shown in those linked resources to reference the lyrics.

American Psychological Association. (2020).  Publication manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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How To Write Song Lyrics In An Essay: Tips For Incorporating Songs In Your Papers

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How to Write Song Lyrics in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a compelling essay involves a variety of skills, and incorporating song lyrics can add a unique dimension to your writing. Whether you want to analyze the lyrics, use them as evidence, or simply showcase your appreciation for a song, it's essential to do it correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of incorporating song lyrics into your essay effectively, you can read more here - https://www.elyrics.net/blog/how-to-write-song-lyrics-in-an-essay.html .

Why Use Song Lyrics in Your Essay

Before we delve into the how-to's, let's explore why using song lyrics in your essay can be impactful. Song lyrics often convey emotions, themes, and messages that resonate with your essay's topic, making them a powerful tool for engagement. Here are a few reasons why you might want to include song lyrics:

Emotional Connection: Lyrics can evoke strong emotions and help your readers connect with your essay on a deeper level. Illustration: Song lyrics can serve as vivid illustrations or examples that support your arguments. Cultural Relevance: Certain songs or lyrics may be culturally significant, adding relevance to your essay.

How to Incorporate Lyrics into Your Essay

Now that you understand the why, let's get into the how. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to seamlessly integrate song lyrics into your essay.

1. Understand Copyright and Fair Use

Before using song lyrics, it's crucial to grasp copyright laws. Familiarize yourself with fair use guidelines and ensure you're following legal standards.

2. Choose Relevant Lyrics

Select lyrics that directly relate to your essay's theme or argument. Ensure they enhance your point rather than distract from it.

3. Format Correctly

When including lyrics, use quotation marks and follow a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA or APA). Include the song title, artist, album, and publication year.

4. Provide Context

Introduce the lyrics and explain their significance to your essay. Analyze how they contribute to your argument or theme.

5. Analyze and Interpret

After quoting the lyrics, analyze and interpret them. Explain how they support your essay's thesis or add depth to your discussion.

6. Cite Properly

In your references or bibliography section, provide a full citation for the song, following the chosen citation style.

Dos and Don'ts

Now that you know how to incorporate lyrics, let's go over some dos and don'ts to ensure you use them effectively.

• Use lyrics that directly relate to your essay's topic.
• Cite the lyrics accurately, including song title, artist, album, and publication year.
• Provide context and explain the lyrics' relevance.
• Overuse lyrics; use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your essay.
• Forget to analyze and interpret the lyrics; don't let them stand alone without explanation.
• Neglect proper citation and copyright considerations.

Let's address some frequently asked questions about using song lyrics in your essay.

1. Can I use any song lyrics in my essay?

While you can use song lyrics, ensure they are relevant to your topic and comply with copyright laws.

2. How do I format song lyrics in my essay?

Format lyrics with quotation marks and provide a proper citation with song title, artist, album, and publication year.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating song lyrics into your essay can enhance its impact and engage your readers. When done correctly and ethically, lyrics add depth and emotion to your writing. Remember to follow copyright laws, choose lyrics wisely, and provide context and analysis to make your essay truly sing.

Now, armed with this comprehensive guide, you're ready to infuse your essays with the power of song lyrics. Happy writing!

Useful Resources:  https://www.thestudypath.com/class-10/extra-questions/english/first-flight/chapter-4-from-the-diary-of-anne-frank/

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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 :)

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How to Cite Lyrics in an Essay: An Ultimate Guide

Understanding the nuances of how to cite song lyrics in an essay is essential for any student tasked with incorporating them into their academic writing. It allows you to integrate the emotions and messages in songs to strengthen your argument or illustrate a point. Yet, citing lyrics is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original creators. In this guide, we will explore the correct methods of citing lyrics in an essay , whether you're using APA or MLA format, and provide essential tips for students to follow. Let's dive into the world of citing song lyrics in your essays.

Citing Lyrics in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Here's a detailed breakdown: Cite lyrics in an essay by integrating them into your narrative while following the appropriate citation style. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Identify the song

Begin by identifying the song's title, artist, and album it belongs to. Make sure you have the correct information to avoid errors in your citation.

Incorporate lyrics naturally

Integrate the lyrics smoothly into your essay. Avoid dropping them abruptly; instead, introduce them in a way that connects with your topic.

Quotation marks

Enclose the lyrics you cite in double quotation marks, like how you would quote a sentence from a book or article.

Citation style

Depending on your instructor's preference or your essay's requirements, format a quotation in APA or MLA citation style.

APA style: In APA format , cite the song lyrics within the text, providing the artist's name, title, and the year of release of the song in parentheses. For example (Lennon & McCartney, 1967).

MLA style: In MLA format , you should include the artist's name, song title, album name, the release year, and the medium in your Works Cited page. Use the artist's last name and the page number (if available) for in-text citations.

Works cited or references page

In APA and MLA, create a separate page at the end of your essay listing all your cited sources, including the song lyrics.

To cite lyrics in an essay, you must engage in a meticulous process that demands precision and attention to detail. You should ensure that your citations are accurate and harmonious with your narrative. For that, you must identify the song. incorporate lyrics and use quotation marks.

Cite Song Lyrics in an Essay: The Art of Incorporation

You start on a trip that combines technical accuracy with creative expression as you explore the world of quoting music lyrics in essays. There are more factors to take into account besides the essential citation guidelines. Navigating these aspects will help you cite lyrics in a proper way. And also it will enhance the depth and impact of your essays, making them more engaging and meaningful.

• Contextual relevance:

Ensure that music lyrics are correctly cited and contextually appropriate. Ask yourself, "Why am I using these lyrics in my essay?" Are they highlighting a point, creating an atmosphere, or supporting an argument? You can cite lyrics more effectively if you know why they are relevant to your writing.

• The art of analysis:

Analysis of the lyrics is as important as their incorporation into your writing when citing lyrics. Explain how the lyrics you're quoting relate to the topic or argument of your essay by delving deeper into their meaning. Explain to your audience why these lyrics are meaningful in the context of your discussion.

• Balancing act:

It's important to strike a balance when using song lyrics. While they can add richness to your essay, be cautious not to overdo it. Quoting too many lines of lyrics can overwhelm your readers and detract from your original content. Aim for a reasonable selection of lyrics that enhance your essay rather than overshadowing it.

• Copyright considerations:

Cite lyrics in a paper to ensure your essay reflects your respect for copyright guidelines. Copyright protects song lyrics, and their usage can sometimes need permissions, especially in academic or commercial contexts. Familiarize yourself with copyright guidelines to avoid any legal issues.

• Ethical attribution:

Beyond the technicalities of citation, ethical considerations play a role. When citing lyrics, attribute them to the original artist and songwriter. This respects their creative work and ensures you give credit where it is due.

Understanding when and how to quote lyrics in an essay is essential. It involves the technical aspects of citation and understanding their relevance, analysis, and impact. By considering these dimensions, you can master the art of citing song lyrics, making your essays more engaging and meaningful.

Students often struggle with citing song lyrics in an essay, especially when it comes to the proper use of quotation marks. You can easily write an essay online using paid professional services like CustomWritings which can provide you with academic writing help in using song lyrics in your essays. You can rely on them for help with research, editing, or understanding citation styles when writing essays.

Additional Insights and Tips on How to Cite Lyrics in an Essay

Delving further into the intricacies of citing lyrics in an essay, let's explore more insights and tips to enhance your understanding of this vital skill. These considerations will empower you to navigate the citation process and enrich your writing with meaningful lyrics.

• Fair use and educational purposes:

It's worth mentioning that in some situations, you won’t need direct permission to employ song lyrics, especially when operating under fair use. Fair use is usually assumed for educational purposes such as academic essays. However, using these lyrics reasonably and ethically is essential, respecting copyright laws.

• Paraphrasing lyrics:

Another way of citing lyrics is through a rephrased version instead of quoting them word for word. This is especially helpful when you need to give an idea about lyrics but not quote them at will. Be sure to give credit in the case of borrowed opinions.

• Multiple citations from the same song:

Sometimes, quoting many lines or several verses from a single song is necessary. For clarity and readability, it is advisable to cite the song details (artist, title, year) in the first citation, afterward providing a reduced quotation in the body of the essay about the same song but different issues.

• Collaborative songwriting:

Songwriting often involves many contributors. There are chances of having more than one songwriter while quoting a song. Ensure that you credit all relevant contributors to provide accurate and comprehensive attribution.

• Digital sources:

In the digital media age, you can find lyrics on websites, streaming platforms, and social media. If you are quoting lyrics from internet sources, include the URL access date and the standard citation elements. It can guide a reader to discover those lyrics.

• The evolving world of lyrics:

Note that lyric changes may occur if the artist performs live or releases a new song version. Ensure you cite the most accurate and recognized version of the lyrics. It may involve cross-referencing many sources.

With this information, you may cite lyrics in your essay without much trouble by respecting academic integrity and enhancing the content’s value.

Using song lyrics as evidence in your essay may be powerful and effective at grabbing your attention and presenting your thoughts. Yet, correct citation is essential to maintain academic integrity. Remember to attribute to the original artists and offer meaningful context for the lyrics you incorporate. Adhering to rules helps you correctly use song lyrics in your essay, ensuring you follow copyright laws and improve your academic paper.

Cite A Music or recording in Harvard style

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• Archive material
• Chapter of an edited book
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• DVD, video, or film
• E-book or PDF
• Edited book
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• Music or recording
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Use the following template or our Harvard Referencing Generator to cite a music or recording. For help with other source types, like books, PDFs, or websites, check out our other guides. To have your reference list or bibliography automatically made for you, try our free citation generator .

Reference list

Place this part in your bibliography or reference list at the end of your assignment.

In-text citation

Place this part right after the quote or reference to the source in your assignment.

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Recommendations on How to Quote Song Lyrics in an Essay

Like poems, plays, novels, comic books, and other compositions, songs contain lyrics that can support people’s opinions. It may sound strange and unusual for the first time, especially if the title is unpopular. A few years ago, it was hard to believe that products of sound recording medium holders would be so valuable. However, times change extremely fast, and today it’s normal to see how people put lyrics inside quotation marks.

However, people need help finding out how to make the quotation correct, sometimes in short. Modern language association format looks complicated for beginners because even minor issues with song lyrics could lead to negative consequences. So, it’s better to avoid them. Following advice from professionals helps to understand everything about correct quotation marks usage. Keep reading if you want to find out more about in-text citations.

Use Quotations and In-Text Citations Correct

As already mentioned, song titles could become valuable information sources for students working on scholarly papers. Song lyrics may also become the subject of analysis on the same level as novels or poems. Who knows, maybe you’ll find an important term in the citation. If such practice looked unreal a few years ago, today, it’s normal. However, when quoting song lyrics in an essay, following the guidelines for citing sources in your chosen citation style is essential. Some may be obvious, but often people need help citing music lyrics.

• Use quotation marks to indicate the beginning and end of the lyrics

This tip is vital in case you put music lyrics into long sentences. If other constructions surround the phrase, it makes sense to show where the quote starts and where it ends. Teachers read assignments very carefully, and you may expect negative consequences once lyrics inside quotation marks are placed wrong.

The following sentence provides an example of correctly citing music lyrics. According to the line, “love is all you need, ” love is the only thing needed. As you see, the word “love” repeats twice very closely, but readers won’t be disoriented because of the quotation marks. If the lyrics are longer (more than two lines), remove them from the essay writing by indenting them and placing them in a separate part. After this, the writing will look much better.

A block quote is required for long quotations or those with more than four lines. There, the entire section is indented from the paragraph above it. Cite music lyrics using Modern Language Association format by putting the artists’ names in parentheses, such as (The Beatles), followed by the punctuation.

• Include the songwriter’s name and the song title in your citation

MLA style citation rules require students to be very specific with the information they cite. So, it’s essential to mention the song title. It’s important to show where you take the note from and provide the author’s name. If you know the album title and release date, you may also include that information. Parenthetical in-text citations should include the artist’s name and the time containing the cited lyrics. Below is an example of correctly citing music lyrics.

In the chorus, Bush sings, “if I only could / I’d make a deal with God / And I’d get him to swap our places” (0:51–59).

As you can see, the author and the timing of the cited lyrics are mentioned. When you quote song lyrics and mention them in the bibliographic entry, you may begin with the artist’s surname and first and second names, respectively. You also may support the artist’s name, song title, and URL link for music available online with periods. To understand what exactly this means, look at the citing music lyrics example below.

Knowles-Carter, Beyoncé Giselle. “Irreplaceable.” Lemonade, Parkwood Entertainment, 2009,

For the first time, following the rules of in-text citations may take a lot of work, mainly due to specific punctuation. However, regular practice always brings positive results; if you follow the guideline, even MLA style won’t look complicated.

Quoting Song Lyrics Correctly – Simple Recommendations

Regardless of the type of writing, citing song lyrics according to the set rules is essential. With several reference styles, it may be complicated to adapt to the requirements presented for each type. However, to be honest, everyone interested in essay writing should know how to cite information from different sources. So now, we will tell more about quoting music lyrics.

The first example is based on song lyrics from a CD. In this case, you may use the MLA style template. First, the name of the performer comes in an author’s place, the album’s name as the source title. After that, you should mention the publisher and the date.

If you get the quote from a booklet accompanying the CD, the description should come in the “Title of source” slot and the album’s name as the title of the container. It’s unnecessary to mention the sound recording medium holder who took the song to the CD.

Citing lyrics from the website has other requirements. First, you may provide the description and the website’s name. Only then comes the information, such as the publication date and the URL. You don’t need to mention the sound recording medium as it’s optional for the citing.

Quoting Lyrics in References With No Mistakes

Following several recommendations is required to use the sound title in references correctly. It’s important not only for Modern language association format but for all styles. For example, more than putting phrases in quotation marks are required. Luckily, people have found different academic styles, and following them makes the task of quoting music lyrics easier.

The APA style requires the following elements in citing:

If we talk about song or track reference, the author of the lyrics and the recording artist is usually the same person. If an artist uses a first name and surname, you can mention the name and initial in the reference.

However, if it’s about citing a song recorded by another artist, the rules of using quotation marks change a bit. In this case, you don’t need to mention the publication date of the original work or the name of the song author.

Quotation Marks and Italics – The Difference

People often need clarification about when to use quotation marks and italics. However, there is a slight difference between these two types of citing, and it’s time to explain everything.

Italics are used when something (in our case – song lyrics) is mentioned for the first time or if it’s a title.

Quotation marks should be used to refer to a phrase or sentence. An average EssayWriter mostly wants to use direct quotations to reproduce the cited words’ exact meaning. However, if you form a citation in your essay writing, you may add other elements like the author’s name, song name, and other important information. Unfollowing this rule may lead to a lower mark.

Final Words

Today it’s OK to read essays and see lyrics inside quotation marks. It makes the writing unique and brings new information, helping authors support their opinions. However, citing song lyrics correctly is essential to ensure it will give everyone the expected result. If you face problems creating in-text citations or references, people ask, “can I pay someone to write my paper ?” With support from talented writing specialists, the task becomes much more accessible.

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Song structure: How to build a song (with examples)

Illustration: Jocelyn Tsaih

When a creative spark hits us that compels us to create music, the idea is almost never a complete song.

Rather, it’s often a smaller seed—maybe a melody or groove that’s just a few measures long. From there, we have to expand upon this seed to grow it into a complete song that we can call a finished product. But how exactly do we do that?

Song structure , or song form , is what allows us to take our individual ideas and turn them into complete compositions. In this article, we’ll discuss some song forms and sections that are seen across all sorts of genres and styles, with a particular emphasis on popular music (no sonatas or fugues for today, as lovely as they are).

See our table of contents below to quickly navigate to a specific section.

What you’ll learn:

What is song structure, components of a song.

• What is an intro?
• What is a verse?
• What is a chorus?
• What is a bridge?

Other common song sections

Song structure examples, song structure for beats and instrumental music.

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Song structure describes the arrangement of the parts of a song. It’s what allows us to shape a piece of music with sections that are sequenced and organized in a familiar manner, and can also provide us with some compositional ideas around how we can write unique—but related—additional parts to our song.

If a song consisted of a string of ideas that never recurred in any way, no matter how interesting each idea is, the composition as a whole might leave us scratching our heads. This is because one of the aspects that makes a lot of music so enjoyable is the balance between exciting surprises and fulfilled expectations—and song structure helps us fulfill the latter.

We’ll dive into popular song structures a bit later, but first, we need to understand the individual sections that constitute them. Here are some of the most popular components in the song structures of today:

• Introduction (intro)

If you have some vocabulary around music, you might already be familiar with some or all of these sections, even if you’ve never written your own songs before. That said, we’ll dive deeper into each of these below, with a focus on how you might approach them from a compositional perspective as well.

What is an intro in a song?

An intro pretty much defines itself—it’s the section that introduces us to the song. Often, an intro is instrumental. For example, let’s take a listen to the Foo Fighters classic, “Everlong:”

Here, the first 30 seconds of the song (up until the vocals kick in) can be labeled as the intro. While the name makes it seem like it only happens at the beginning of the song, the intro often establishes some sort of theme that’s used repeatedly throughout a composition; in the case of “Everlong,” we hear the same ideas from the intro continue underneath the vocals, and reappear to connect various other sections throughout the song as well.

How to write your own intro

Intros are a great way to set the tone of your song, while providing an opportunity for the instruments to shine and the vocals to breathe (if you have a track that’s primarily vocal-driven). That said, intros can definitely feature vocals as well.

Although there are no hard rules, the following points might be good to keep in mind when writing an intro:

• Make it count: We live in an era where people’s attention spans are short and the skip button is always at our fingertips. With this in mind, make sure your intro has a selling point that grabs your listeners’ attention, whether it’s catchiness, emotion, energy, a unique sound, etc.
• Consider using it to foreshadow: The melodies, chords, rhythms, etc. in your intro can be completely unique from the rest of your song. However, you can also use the section as a way to foreshadow some other moment(s) in your track and further tie things together, as “Everlong” does. Whether it’s a synth melody that references a vocal line that appears later on or a drum groove that continues into the next section of the track, don’t be afraid to recycle existing material to write your intro.
• Don’t feel the need to write it first: Many essayists recommend writing your introduction last, after you’ve gained perspective on the direction of the complete piece; intros in music are no different. While it might naturally be that first seed that sparks the rest of your composition, if your starting point is a different part of the song, don’t let it be a blocker in your songwriting.

An optional element (in today’s pop in particular)

We’ll get into how to sequence our sections once we’ve defined all of them, but it’s worth noting here that a lot of contemporary popular music is about conciseness and maximum efficiency, and for this reason, intros can often be shaved down to a few measures or even omitted entirely.

For example, Halsey’s “Graveyard” plays through a looping acoustic guitar chord progression just once for its intro, before her vocals kick in for the verse five seconds into the song:

And for a song that completely does away with an intro, take a listen to Maggie Rogers’ “Light On:”

What is a verse in a song?

Verses are the parts of a song where lyrically, the details of the narrative often unfold. Instrumentally, it’s a section that’s typically a little more sparse or subdued (compared to latter sections we’ll explore like the chorus).

In the case of Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” the verses would be from 0:07 – 0:58 and 1:24 – 2:15:

And in Rihanna’s timeless hit “Umbrella,” the verses are the parts from 0:32 – 0:54 and 1:39 – 2:01:

How to write your own verse

While verses are incredibly versatile and diverse, here are some tips that might help you get started:

• Tell a story : As mentioned earlier, the verse is often where the narrative unfolds. For this reason, it’s a section where the lyrics often change entirely in the event that it’s repeated (as heard above). Use verses as a way to tell a story, especially for tracks where lyrics are involved.
• Save some drama: Verses are rarely the emotional climax of a track. Especially when it comes to arrangement, try to save some of the ‘wow factor’—maybe the guitars are palm muted instead of playing open chords, the drum groove is just using the kick and snare rather than the whole kit, the keyboard part cuts out, etc. The range for the main melody is also often smaller, not hitting the highest points in the song.
• Sweat the details: That said, don’t write off the verse as an unimportant section. In many popular song forms, they’re among the most repeated sections, so get creative on how you can make them engaging, without needing to go ‘all out’ (an exception to this is in rap, where often times the verses can become the highlights of the track).

What is a chorus in music?

In contrast to the verse, the chorus is the big payoff of the song – the part that most people will remember. Lyrically, it’s typically more thematic or emotion-based, boiling down the core message of the song in a way that’s perhaps less narrative than the verse. Musically, it’s usually louder and more full in arrangement, and might use a larger melodic range.

A classic example of a cathartic chorus is Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” where the chorus occurs at 0:39 – 1:11, and again from 1:55 – 3:09:

In BTS’ “Dynamite,” the chorus occurs at 0:42 – 0:58, 1:33 – 1:49, and 2:23 – 3:14. A brief excerpt of it is also cleverly used as the intro:

How to write your own chorus

Here are some tips you might want to consider when tackling your chorus:

• Focus on memorability: The chorus is the selling point to your song, both figuratively and literally (in the event that you choose to release your music ). Pull all the stops for your chorus and really try to create something that’s catchy, emotive, and compelling. Consider changing the chord progression from the verse if it helps the chorus stand out (although plenty of songs keep it the same).
• Go out with a bang: Generally speaking, the choruses are likely to be more consistent than the verses, with changes in lyrics being sparse with each repetition (if there are any at all). That said, people often try to change things up, especially during the last chorus, to really go out with a bang. Consider making the final chorus special in some way, whether it’s by doubling the duration, briefly stripping things down, adding new instrumental layers, making it reach higher notes, raising its key, etc. (the BTS example above somehow does all of these things).
• Make sure it can hold its ground: Make sure your chorus can stand on its own and still feel satisfying. When people are previewing music, they’ll often scrub for the chorus, so you want to make sure it feels like the destination, rather than a section that’s passive or meant to lead into something else. If someone listens to this section and is unsure whether it was the chorus, that’s usually an indicator that there’s more work to be done.

Alternative options to keep in mind

While we’ve been breaking down broad trends (within the specific lens of Western popular music) and making recommendations based on them thus far, we can’t stress enough that there are no rules to making music. As proof of this, several variations on the traditional chorus have penetrated the mainstream and become archetypes of their own. We highlight two of these alternatives below, to give you some ideas around how you might also change things up.

The first is what’s colloquially known as ‘the drop,’ an instrumental section most often found in EDM and its various sub-genres in place of the chorus. An example of a drop that completely took over radio stations in 2016 is the one in The Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” which occurs from 1:10 – 1:30, 2:31 – 2:51, and 3:32 – 3:52.

The second alternative that’s becoming increasingly popular is the ‘anti-chorus’ or ‘anti-drop.’ Over years of conditioning, we’ve grown to expect the chorus to be the loudest or most intense section of a song. The anti-chorus plays on this, catching us by surprise by making the chorus more stripped-down or bare in comparison to the preceding section. An example of an effective anti-chorus can be heard in Charlie Puth’s “Attention,” which hits at 0:48 with just a thumping bass guitar accompanying his vocals:

What is a bridge in music?

The last section we’ll discuss in detail is the bridge , a section that can sometimes be a secondary emotional climax to the chorus, although it doesn’t typically quite have the same the ability to stand on its own. The bridge represents a turning point, often both lyrically and musically. In the lyrics, there’s often some sort of revelation or realization. In the instrumentation, the arrangement or harmony might take a new turn. More often than not, it’s the section that connects the song to the final chorus, hence the name.

An example of a bridge that rivals the emotional drama of the chorus is the one heard between 2:02 – 2:21 in Linkin Park’s 2003 hit “Numb:”

There are also plenty of subdued, more intimate bridges, as heard in 2:29 – 3:02 of The Weeknd’s “The Hills:”

How to write your own bridge

Bridges are great because they often break up the pattern of going back and forth between verses and choruses. When it comes to writing your own bridge, here are some ideas for how you can make it stand out from the rest of your track:

• Try experimenting with the harmony: Many bridges make themselves feel different from the rest of the song by changing up the harmonic structure, either by going to a different key or simply starting with a chord that’s not the tonic chord (IV in a major key, or VI in a minor key, are common choices).
• Think about contrast across all elements: In addition to harmony, consider experimenting with rhythms, melodies, instrumental arrangements, and lyrics that contrast with the other sections of the song.
• Lean into vulnerability: Whether it’s a singer-songwriter ballad or an instrumental beat, bridges are often emotionally expressive and impactful. What is the song really trying to convey? What melody will pique the listener’s interest in a new way? Don’t hesitate to lean into vulnerability when you’re putting together a bridge.

For more on writing great bridges, be sure to also check out our dedicated guide on the section:

What is a bridge in a song? How to write a bridge

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While we’ve covered some of the most omnipresent sections above, there are also countless other sections that are seen quite often. Before we move on to popular song forms, we’ll mention a few more here in rapid-fire fashion.

What is a pre-chorus?

Pre-choruses are sections that precede the chorus, typically smoothening the transition in intensity from the verse. They often feature a brief switch-up in tone—like bridges, they often start on a chord such as IV in a major key, or VI in a minor key.

Check out 0:44 – 0:59 of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” for a quality pre-chorus:

What is a post-chorus?

Some songs that want to tack additional ideas onto their chorus will have a post-chorus that connects it to the next section. Post-choruses can actually be some of the catchiest parts of songs—take the post-chorus heard from 1:10 – 1:29 and 2:30 – 2:49 of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” for example. The section feels distinctive from the chorus that it precedes, but plays on the material found in it:

What is a solo?

If we want a section that lets one instrument have a few measures where it’s distinctly featured, we give it a solo . Solos can be simple, instrumental renditions of existing elements from the song, or they can be incredibly technical and virtuosic, particularly in genres such as metal and jazz.

Take a listen to 2:05 – 2:34 and 4:32 – 6:22 of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” for two great guitar solos (the latter doubles as an outro, a section we’ll get to next):

What is an outro / coda?

Outros are a lot like intros, but they help us ride out the very end of our song. 5:07 – 5:50 of Porter Robinson’s “Sad Machine” gently ties a bow on the track, while building off of a synth line that’s a key ingredient of the composition:

Now that we’ve familiarized ourselves with individual song sections, we can start to think about how they’re combined to create different song structures / song forms. When musicians map out their songs, they often assign letter names (ex. A, B, etc.) to different sections to help easily articulate the overall journey. Over the course of millions and millions of songs, the world of Western popular music has naturally generated a few of these alphabetically-labeled patterns that are particularly common. Let’s explore a few below.

1. ABABCB (“verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus”)

ABABCB is perhaps the single most common song structure used in modern commercial music, appearing in genres spanning pop, R&B, rock, and more. In practice, it translates to “verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus.”

Out of the songs we explored today, “Everlong,” “Light On,” “Numb,” “The Hills,” “Set Fire to the Rain,” and “Shape of You” all follow this structure on a macro level, demonstrating just how ubiquitous it is. Once you zoom in on each, you’ll find that there are some variations: a pre-chorus on one song, a post-chorus in another, a few additional measures here and there, etc. However, if you package the pre-choruses with the verses and the post-choruses with the choruses (as people regularly do when discussing high-level song form), you’ll find that at their core they follow this same ABABCB flow.

ABABCB is a great song structure to use in your own compositions if you want something that’s familiar and tested. It’s very much a ‘don’t-fix-what-isn’t-broken’ form, and there’s no shame in reaching for it; it’s popular for a reason. An easy way to boost it is to double the duration of the B section at the end, not deviating from the main spirit but doubling the final chorus for extra effect.

2. ABAB (“verse-chorus-verse-chorus”)

ABAB form is simple and sweet, relying on the oscillation between two contrasting parts to drive the song. Despite sounding quite different in their application, “HUMBLE.” and “We Are The Champions,” both rely on this song structure, with the latter doubling the second B section to drive the anthemic spirit home. This is a song form that’s as old as time, and is great for lyrical music as well as instrumental music.

3. ABABC (“verse-chorus-verse-chorus-new section”)

If you want to get a little more experimental, one other option is to consider bringing in a completely new section at the end of a song to surprise your listeners. The form that precedes it can vary, but is usually somewhat straightforward (like ABAB, for instance).

An example of a song that makes an effective use of this sort of song structure is The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” The song starts off with a relatively straightforward pattern that alternates between verses and choruses, but then brings in the famous “Na na na” section for the second half of the song, which is only hinted at very briefly until that point.

Now of course, there are tons of additional variations out there. That said, these song structures should give you a solid starting point if you don’t know where to take your track.

While the sections we explored today also translate seamlessly to instrumental music, it can’t be denied that they’re driven by vocals more often than not. Many of us who are just starting out with music production may be making beats or instrumental demoes, rather than full-fledged arrangements with vocals (or, perhaps instrumental music is simply your area of interest).

If this is you, here are some additional techniques that might be helpful when it comes to expanding an idea into a full track, outside of the traditional conventions of verses, choruses, etc.

Textural variations

Even in instrumental music, you often have tons of individual layers going on at once: the kick, snare, hi-hat, bass, keys, synths, etc. Without composing entirely new material, you can often create an effective contrasting section by simply removing some of these elements; perhaps you keep the same kick and snare patterns, but mute the hi-hats and the bass, for example. Then, when you reintroduce these elements later, they’ll sound exciting thanks to the power of contrast.

Daft Punk’s “Around the World” effectively demonstrates this sort of technique—the track doesn’t really follow a traditional verse-chorus song structure, but is rather essentially a loop of just one core idea. Despite that, it’s still engaging for its full duration because the duo cleverly remove and introduce layers that create regular changes to the overall musical texture and energy.

Rhythmic variations

Another simple technique for expanding upon an idea is switching up the rhythmic pulse. In one section, perhaps your snare and other rhythmic accents are landing on the second and fourth beats of each measure, as they often do. To easily introduce a new feel, you could keep the same melodies, chords, etc. but cut the frequency of these hits in half—making them land on just the third beat of every measure instead.

This is a popular trick in rock music in particular. While it’s not an instrumental track, take the last chorus in Fall Out Boy’s “The Phoenix” for example—the same material is repeated twice, with the rhythmic pulse slowed down (to what’s known as half time ) the second time around at 3:41. This simple change gives a whole new feel to the chorus, and helps create a new musical moment with relative ease.

Timbral variations

Lastly, one simple way to add variation is to simply change up the instruments that are playing a particular part. If the melody is being played by a synth during one section, perhaps try switching it up to be played by a keyboard in the next. Even if the melody doesn’t change, the contrast in the timbre can make all the difference and pique a listener’s interest. This is how a seven-minute track like “We Are The World” works; the melodies don’t change, but each new voice—and the unique interpretation it brings to the melody—keeps us engaged.

The song also changes key several times, which is another easy way to create musical interest without writing entirely new sections. While extremely effective, key changes can sound a little cheesy (especially in today’s musical landscape), so do use them with intentionality.

Wrapping up our guide to song structure

As we did extensively in today’s article, the best way to learn about song structure is to learn directly from the music that you enjoy most. Whether it’s vocal-driven or instrumental, you’ll start to pick up on some patterns and techniques that you can gradually incorporate into your own work. Consider starting off with shorter tracks, and then increase the duration and scope of your music little by little as you become more comfortable (or, give a try at creating an epic 10-minute project from the start if that feels more fun for you—whatever inspires you the most)!

If you’re reading this article as part of your journey towards creating your first track, go back to the curriculum that corresponds with your DAW and proceed to the next step:

September 29, 2023

Harrison Shimazu is a composer, content strategist, and writer who’s passionate about democratizing music creation and education. He leads the Splice blog and produces vocaloid music as Namaboku.

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