Quoting song lyrics in your academic papers might seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of APA style guidelines, it's straightforward. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, addressing common queries and offering practical examples to ensure your citations are accurate and consistent. We'll delve into various scenarios and offer tips for seamless integration of lyrics into your academic writing.
How to Quote Song Lyrics in APA Style?
The core principle of quoting lyrics in APA style is similar to quoting any other source: accuracy and proper attribution are paramount. You need to provide the song title, artist, year of release (or recording date if the release date isn't available), and the relevant album or source. Unlike books or articles, songs usually lack page numbers, so you'll rely on line numbers or time stamps.
Basic Structure:
(Artist's Last Name, Year, Paragraph number, Line number).
Example:
"We built this city on rock and roll" (Stapleton, 2023, 1, 1).
Note that if you are using more than one song by the same artist in the same year, you need to differentiate them using a letter (a, b, c, etc.) after the year. For example: (Stapleton, 2023a, 1,1) and (Stapleton, 2023b, 2,5)
If line numbers are unavailable: if line numbers are not provided in your source material, use time stamps (e.g., (Stapleton, 2023, 0:15)).
Using Multiple Lines of Lyrics
When quoting multiple lines of lyrics, follow the standard APA guidelines for block quotes. Indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin and do not use quotation marks. Cite the source after the final line.
Example:
We built this city on rock and roll Came here to find some fun. (Stapleton, 2023, 1, 1-2).
Quoting Lyrics Within a Sentence
When integrating short lyric fragments into your sentences, enclose them in double quotation marks. Remember to properly cite your source.
Example: Stapleton (2023) powerfully declares, "We built this city on rock and roll," capturing the essence of the song's theme.
What if the Song is from a Soundtrack or Compilation Album?
If the song is from a soundtrack or compilation album, you will include that title in your citation.
Example:
"Another one bites the dust" (Mercury, 1981, 1, 1). In this example we assume the song was on an album published in 1981, not that the song itself was released in 1981. Always check your source.
How to Cite Lyrics from a Streaming Service?
When citing lyrics from a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music, use the service as the source if you accessed the lyrics through that platform and not through a separate source, such as a website like Genius. Here, date accessed would be important.
Example:
"Like a river flows, surely to the sea" (Simon & Garfunkel, 1968, accessed October 26, 2023, Spotify).
Note: Using this method, you will not have line numbers available. Time stamps, therefore, should be used instead. Always prioritize direct access to the original source of the lyrics whenever possible.
How Do I Cite Lyrics From a Live Performance?
For live performances, you can use the date and location of the performance in your citation. It's important to specify the source as "Live performance," to avoid confusion.
Example: "Hello darkness my old friend" (Dylan, Live performance, Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, October 27, 2023).
Important Note: This is less precise than citing a recorded version of the song. If there is a recording of the concert, that would be the preferred method.
Works Cited Example
Your References page will list your sources in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Example:
Stapleton, C. (2023). Starting Over. [Album]. [Record Label].
Conclusion
Properly citing song lyrics within the APA style framework ensures the academic integrity of your work. By following these guidelines, you can seamlessly integrate lyrics into your research while accurately attributing the source. Remember, clarity and consistency are crucial elements of effective academic writing. Always consult the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the most current guidelines.
