How to Cite a Song in MLA
Citing a song correctly in MLA format shows respect for the creator’s work and helps readers locate the source you used. Whether you reference a track from a vinyl record, a streaming platform, or a YouTube video, the Modern Language Association provides clear guidelines that keep your bibliography consistent and credible. This guide walks you through the essential elements, formatting rules, and practical examples you need to master how to cite a song in MLA for any academic project.
Understanding MLA Format for Songs
MLA treats a song as a type of audiovisual work. In real terms, the core components of a Works Cited entry include the performer’s name, the song title in quotation marks, the album title in italics, the distributor or label, the year of release, and the medium of publication. Now, when the song is accessed online, you also add the name of the website or service and the URL (or DOI if available). In‑text citations simply reference the performer’s last name or a shortened title, depending on what appears first in the Works Cited entry.
How to Cite a Song in MLA: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Follow these steps to create a accurate citation, adapting each part to the specific source you consulted It's one of those things that adds up..
1. Identify the Performer
List the primary artist or group as they appear on the release. If the song features a guest artist, you may include “feat.” after the main name, but MLA does not require it unless your instructor asks for additional detail And that's really what it comes down to..
2. Provide the Song Title
Enclose the track title in quotation marks. Capitalize the first and last words and all major words (title case) Small thing, real impact..
3. Note the Album Title
Italicize the album name. If the song was released as a single and not part of an album, you can omit this element or write “Single” in place of the album title That's the part that actually makes a difference..
4. Include the Distributor or Record Label
After the album title, add the name of the label that released the recording. For self‑published or independent releases, use the artist’s own name as the distributor Worth keeping that in mind..
5. Add the Year of Release
Place the year the specific recording was issued, not the original composition date unless you are citing a cover version.
6. Specify the Medium
Indicate how you accessed the song: CD, vinyl, digital download, streaming service, or website. For streaming, you may write “Streaming audio” or simply the name of the platform.
7. Add Online Access Information (if applicable)
If you retrieved the song from a website, include the name of the site, the URL, and the date you accessed it (access date is optional in MLA 9th edition but often recommended for content that may change).
8. Assemble the Works Cited Entry
Combine the elements in this order:
Performer’s Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Title, Distributor, Year, Medium.
For online sources: add “Website Name, URL, Accessed Day Month Year.”
9. Create the In‑Text Citation
In parentheses, give the performer’s last name (or a shortened title if the name is unavailable) and, if relevant, a timestamp for a specific lyric or passage: (Performer 1:23) or (“Song Title” 0:45).
Citing a Song from a Physical Album
When you have a CD, vinyl record, or cassette, the citation is straightforward because the medium is tangible.
Example:
Beyoncé. “Formation.” Lemonade, Parkwood Entertainment, 2016, CD Practical, not theoretical..
Works Cited entry breakdown:
- Performer: Beyoncé
- Song title: “Formation” (in quotation marks)
- Album title: Lemonade (italicized)
- Distributor: Parkwood Entertainment
- Year: 2016
- Medium: CD
In‑text citation: (Beyoncé) or, if you need to point to a specific lyric, (Beyoncé 2:10) Easy to understand, harder to ignore. That alone is useful..
Citing a Song from a Streaming Service
Streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music require you to note the service as the medium. The URL is optional but helpful if your reader might search for the track.
Example:
Taylor Swift. “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” Red (Taylor’s Version), Republic Records, 2021, Spotify, open.spotify.com/track/6rqhFgbbKwnb9MLmUQDhG6.
Breakdown:
- Performer: Taylor Swift
- Song title: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
- Album title: Red (Taylor’s Version)
- Distributor: Republic Records
- Year: 2021
- Medium: Spotify (include URL)
In‑text citation: (Taylor Swift) or (Taylor Swift 3:45) for a specific stanza.
Citing a Song from YouTube
YouTube is a common source for music videos, live performances, or unofficial uploads. Treat the uploader as the performer if they are the primary artist; otherwise, list the uploader in the “contributor” slot after the title.
Example:
BTS. “Dynamite.” YouTube, uploaded by BTS Official, 21 Aug. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdZLi9oWNZg Still holds up..
Breakdown:
- Performer: BTS
- Song title: “Dynamite”
- Album title: (none; treat as standalone)
- Distributor: YouTube (platform)
- Year: 2021 (release date of the video)
- Medium: YouTube video
- URL: provided
If you are citing a lyric from the video, include a timestamp: (BTS 1:12).
