Referencing a Song in a Paper

Properly citing references is a key factor in a well-researched paper. While you may know how to cite a book or newspaper article, based on your school or professor's preferred writing style, less common sources such as songs may be difficult to figure out. The main writing styles that most colleges and universities follow include American Psychological Association (APA) style, Modern Language Association (MLA) style and Chicago style. Look for how to cite a sound recording in their respective style guides. Before starting any paper, always ask your professors what style they expect you to follow.

Instructions

  1. APA Style

    • 1

      Write the last, then first name of the songwriter, separated by a comma.

    • 2

      Write the copyright date in parentheses right after, followed by a period.

    • 3

      Write the title of the song, followed by the words “Recorded by” and the name of the performer -- if the performer is different from the songwriter -- in brackets. Place a period after the bracket.

    • 4

      Write “on” and the name of the album. In brackets after the album name, write the medium or type of recording, such as CD, followed by a period.

    • 5

      Write the location of the recording studio and the record label, followed by a period.

    • 6

      Write the recording date in parentheses after the location, only if it is different from the copyright date.

    MLA Style

    • 7

      Write the name of the performer or composer first, depending on who you want to emphasize, based on the context of the citation. Place a period after the name.

    • 8

      Write the name of the song in quotations, followed by a period.

    • 9

      Write the first, then last name of the performer or the composer, depending on who you put first in Step 1.

    • 10

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

    • 11

      List the manufacturer/recording label and the publication date, separating the two with a comma, followed by a period.

    • 12

      List the medium of the song, such as CD, followed by a period.

    Chicago Style

    • 13

      Write the last name, then first name of the composer or songwriter, followed by a period. Place a comma between the last name and first name.

    • 14

      Write the name of the song in italics, followed by a comma.

    • 15

      Write the first, then last name of the performer, followed by a period.

    • 16

      Write the name of the record label, followed by a period.

    • 17

      Write the type of recording, followed by the year of the recording. Separate the format and the year with a comma.

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