how to write an essay about song lyrics

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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 Include Song Lyrics in an Essay and Properly Quote Them

Song lyrics can add depth and meaning to an essay, whether you are analyzing a piece of music, exploring the themes of a song, or discussing the influence of a particular artist. However, it’s important to properly quote song lyrics to give credit to the original artist and comply with copyright laws. This step-by-step guide will show you how to quote song lyrics in your essay in a way that is both effective and legal.

Firstly, it’s important to choose an appropriate lyric that aligns with the topic of your essay. Make sure the lyric enhances your argument or supports the points you are trying to make. Once you have selected the lyric, enclose it in quotation marks. For example, if you are writing about the power of love, you might choose the lyric: “What’s love got to do, got to do with it?”

Next, indicate the artist’s name and the song title. This helps your reader identify the source of the lyric and gives credit to the original artist. You can use the em or strong tags to emphasize the artist’s name and song title. For example, you could write: According to Tina Turner in her song “ What’s Love Got to Do with It ?”.

If you are quoting multiple lines of a song, consider using the

tag to set the lyrics apart from the rest of your essay. This helps to distinguish the lyrics and makes them stand out to your reader. Additionally, it’s important to include the line breaks and punctuation as they appear in the song. This preserves the original formatting and ensures accuracy. For example, you could write: “What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a second-hand emotion?” – Tina Turner, “ What’s Love Got to Do with It ?”

Remember, when quoting song lyrics, always give credit to the artist and song title, and make sure to follow proper formatting and punctuation. By properly quoting song lyrics, you can enhance your essay and give your reader a greater understanding of your analysis and interpretation.

Table of Contents

Understand the Copyright Laws

When quoting a song lyric in your essay, it is important to understand and adhere to the copyright laws to avoid any legal issues. Copyright laws protect the rights of the original creators of a work, including song lyrics. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Fair Use: Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holder. However, it is important to understand that the definition of fair use can vary depending on the purpose and nature of the use, the amount of the quote, and the effect on the market for the original work.
Public Domain: Song lyrics may be in the public domain if the copyright term has expired or if the lyrics were never protected by copyright. It is important to check the copyright status of the song before including lyrics in your essay.
Attribution: When quoting a song lyric, it is important to give proper attribution to the original artist. This includes mentioning the artist’s name and the song title. If possible, include additional information such as the album or release date.
Obtaining Permission: In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the rights holder to quote a song lyric. This is particularly true if you plan to use a substantial portion of the lyrics or if you intend to use the lyrics for commercial purposes. Contact the rights holder or their authorized representative to obtain permission.

It is important to note that this guide does not provide legal advice. If you have specific questions or concerns about copyright laws, it is recommended to consult with a legal professional.

Choose a Relevant Song Lyric

When it comes to selecting a song lyric to quote in your essay, it is important to choose a relevant and meaningful line that adds value to your argument or enhances the overall message of your essay. Here are some steps to help you choose a fitting song lyric:

Consider your essay topic: Think about the main theme or message of your essay. Are you discussing love, identity, or social justice? Select a song lyric that relates to your topic and helps reinforce your argument.
Identify key words or phrases: Look for words or phrases in the song lyrics that align with your essay topic. These can be powerful metaphors, descriptive language, or emotional expressions that resonate with your readers.
Research the song: Do some background research on the song and artist to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the lyrics. This will help ensure that your chosen lyric fits well within the context of your essay.
Avoid clichés: While popular song lyrics can be impactful, it is best to avoid overly clichéd lines that have been quoted extensively in other works. Choose a lyric that is unique, thought-provoking, and adds a fresh perspective to your essay.

By following these steps, you will be able to choose a relevant song lyric that complements your essay and engages your readers. Remember to properly cite the lyric according to the citation style guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.

Decide on the Quotation Style

After selecting the song lyric you want to quote in your essay, it is important to decide on the appropriate quotation style to use. The style you choose will depend on the citation format and guidelines specified by your instructor or the publication you are writing for.

There are various citation styles commonly used, including MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago/Turabian. Each style has its own set of rules and guidelines for citing sources, including song lyrics.

1. MLA Style:

If you are using MLA style, the general rule for citing song lyrics is to enclose them in quotation marks and provide the artist’s name, the song title in italicized format, the album name (if applicable), the version or recording label (if necessary), and the release year. For example:

“I’m just a soul whose intentions are good” (Buffalo Springfield).

2. APA Style:

When using APA style, song lyrics should be presented in quotation marks and the artist’s name, the song title in italicized format, the album name (if applicable), the version or recording label (if necessary), and the release year should be provided. For example:

“I’m just a soul whose intentions are good” (Buffalo Springfield, 1966).

3. Chicago/Turabian Style:

If you are using Chicago/Turabian style, song lyrics are cited using an endnote or footnote. In the note, the artist’s name, the song title in italicized format, the album name (if applicable), the version or recording label (if necessary), and the release year should be included. For example:

1. Buffalo Springfield, “For What It’s Worth,” album title, version or recording label, 1966.

It is important to consult the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using to ensure that you provide all the necessary information and format the citation correctly. Additionally, if you are using lyrics from a song that is not well-known or easily accessible, you may need to provide additional information, such as the songwriter’s name or the URL of the song lyrics website.

Integrate the Song Lyric into Your Essay

Once you have selected a relevant song lyric to quote in your essay, it is important to integrate it smoothly into the rest of your writing. This ensures that the quote feels organic and flows seamlessly within your essay.

Here are some tips for properly integrating a song lyric into your essay:

Provide context: Before quoting the song lyric, provide some context to your reader. Explain why you have chosen this specific lyric and how it relates to your essay topic or argument.
Use quotation marks: Enclose the song lyric in quotation marks to indicate that it is someone else’s words. This helps to distinguish it from your own writing.
Cite the source: After the quoted lyric, include the artist’s name, the song title, and the album or year of release in parentheses. This gives credit to the original creator and allows your readers to find the source if they are interested.
Explain the significance: After quoting the lyric, explain its significance within the context of your essay. Discuss how it supports your argument or contributes to the overall theme of your writing.
Provide analysis: Analyze the song lyric and discuss its meaning or impact. Consider the lyrics’ symbolism, imagery, or literary devices used. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the song and its message.
Connect to the broader discussion: Relate the quoted lyric back to your thesis or the main points of your essay. Show how it adds value to the larger topic and contributes to the overall discussion.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate a song lyric into your essay. Remember to maintain a balance between quoting and analyzing, and ensure that the song lyric enhances your argument or provides valuable insight to your readers.

Use Quotation Marks and Citations

When quoting a song lyric in your essay, it is important to use quotation marks and provide proper citations to give credit to the original artist and songwriter.

Here are the steps to follow:

Place the lyric in quotation marks: Start by enclosing the song lyric you are quoting in double quotation marks. For example, if you are quoting the line “I will always love you” from the song “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, write it as: “I will always love you”.
Indicate the song title: After the lyric, include the title of the song in italics. For example: “I will always love you” (italicized).
Note the artist: Next, mention the name of the artist or band who performed the song. In our example, it would be Whitney Houston.
Provide the album’s name (optional): If relevant, you can also include the name of the album the song appears on. For example, if “I Will Always Love You” is from the album “The Bodyguard Soundtrack”, you can mention it.
Add the year of release (optional): If you want to provide additional information, you can include the year the song was released. For instance, if “I Will Always Love You” was released in 1992, you can mention it as well.

Here is an example of how a properly quoted song lyric in an essay would look:

Remember, using quotation marks and providing proper citations not only shows respect for the original artist, but it also helps avoid plagiarism and gives readers the necessary information to locate the song.

Provide Context for the Song Lyric

When including a song lyric in your essay, it’s important to provide context so that the reader understands the significance of the lyric and its connection to your argument or analysis. Contextualizing the song lyric can help support your points and make your essay more cohesive. Here are a few ways to provide context for the song lyric:

Introduce the song: Begin by briefly introducing the song that the lyric is from. Mention the title of the song and the name of the artist or band. This provides basic information for the reader and also helps them locate the song if they are interested in listening to it.
Explain the meaning: Provide a brief explanation of the meaning behind the song or the message it conveys. This can help the reader better understand the lyric in its intended context.
Discuss the relevance: Explain why the song lyric is relevant to your essay topic or argument. Connect it to the broader themes or ideas you are exploring and explain how the lyric supports or enhances your point.
Provide historical context: If the song lyric is from a particular time period or is associated with a social or cultural movement, provide some background information to give the reader a better understanding of the historical context of the lyric.
Use quotations or excerpts: Include a short excerpt of the song lyrics to give the reader a sense of the words and their impact. Enclose the lyric in quotation marks and provide a citation to give credit to the artist and the song.

By providing context for the song lyric, you not only ensure that the reader understands its significance but also enhance the overall quality of your essay. Context can help you effectively incorporate the song lyric into your analysis and make your arguments more persuasive and compelling.

Analyze the Song Lyric in Relation to Your Essay

Once you have properly quoted the song lyric in your essay, it’s important to analyze it in relation to the topic and purpose of your essay. By doing so, you can provide a deeper insight and understanding of the lyric for your readers.

Here are some steps to help you analyze the song lyric:

Explain the meaning: Start by explaining the meaning of the song lyric in your own words. Consider the overall theme and message conveyed by the lyric. Is it about love, heartbreak, social issues, or personal experiences?
Explore the emotions: Discuss the emotions evoked by the song lyric. How does the lyric make you feel? Does it convey joy, sadness, anger, or any other powerful emotions? Explain why the lyric has such an impact on you and its relevance to your essay.
Analyze the language: Analyze the language used in the song lyric. Look for any poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, personification, or symbolism. Discuss how these devices contribute to the overall meaning and effectiveness of the lyric.
Consider the context: Consider the context in which the song lyric was written. Look into the artist’s background, the music genre, and the time period. Understanding the context can provide valuable insights into the meaning and intention behind the lyric.
Relate it to your essay: Finally, relate the song lyric to the main theme or argument of your essay. Explain how the lyric enhances your understanding of the topic and supports your overall analysis. Use the lyric as a supporting example or evidence to strengthen your points.

Analyzing the song lyric in relation to your essay not only adds depth to your writing but also demonstrates your critical thinking skills. It allows your readers to see the connection between the song and your essay, creating a cohesive and well-supported piece of writing.

Conclude with a Personal Interpretation

In conclusion, including a personal interpretation of the song lyric in your essay can provide a unique perspective and enhance the overall analysis. This final section allows you to express your own thoughts and feelings about the lyric and its significance. Here are a few steps to help you effectively conclude your essay with a personal interpretation:

Reflect on the meaning of the lyric: Take some time to think about the message and emotions conveyed by the song lyric. Consider how it relates to your own experiences and beliefs.
Analyze the impact of the lyric: Evaluate the effect that the lyric has on the overall song and its intended audience. Think about the themes and ideas it explores and how they resonate with you.
Offer your personal perspective: Share your own interpretation of the lyric and explain why it resonates with you. Discuss any personal connections or experiences that relate to the theme or message of the song.
Provide supporting evidence: Back up your personal interpretation with examples from the lyric itself or other relevant sources. Cite specific lines or phrases that support your viewpoint.

Ultimately, the personal interpretation section should bring together your analysis and reflection on the song lyric, allowing you to express your own thoughts and emotions. Keep in mind that this section should not dominate the essay but rather serve as a meaningful conclusion to your analysis.

Question and answer:

What is the correct way to quote a song lyric in an essay.

The correct way to quote a song lyric in an essay is to use quotation marks around the entire lyric line and include the songwriter’s name, the song title, and the album or source where the song can be found.

Can I use a song lyric as the title of my essay?

It is generally not recommended to use a song lyric as the title of your essay, as it may give the impression that your essay is primarily focused on the song itself rather than the broader topic you are writing about.

What if I want to include a longer excerpt from a song in my essay?

If you want to include a longer excerpt from a song in your essay, you can format it as a block quotation by indenting the entire excerpt on both sides and using a smaller font size. However, it is important to only include longer excerpts if they are directly relevant and contribute to the overall point or argument of your essay.

Do I need to provide the songwriter’s name and the album for every song lyric I quote in my essay?

Yes, it is important to provide the songwriter’s name and the album or source where the song can be found for every song lyric you quote in your essay. This helps give proper credit to the songwriter and allows your readers to easily locate the song if they are interested.

Can I alter or modify song lyrics when quoting them in my essay?

When quoting song lyrics in your essay, it is generally recommended to preserve the original wording and not alter or modify the lyrics. However, if you need to make slight changes for grammatical or stylistic reasons, you can use square brackets [ ] to indicate any modifications you have made.

What if I don’t know the songwriter’s name or the album of the song?

If you are unsure of the songwriter’s name or the album of the song you are quoting, you can do some research to try and find this information. If you are unable to find the specific details, you can mention this in your essay or use a generic reference such as “unknown songwriter” or “unreleased song” to acknowledge the lack of information.

Can I use song lyrics as evidence or support for my arguments in an essay?

Yes, you can use song lyrics as evidence or support for your arguments in an essay, as long as they are relevant to your topic and help strengthen your points. However, it is important to provide proper analysis and interpretation of the lyrics to explain how they contribute to your argument.

How to Write an Eye-Catching Essay Introduction | Scribbr 🎓

How to Cite Poetry, Song Lyrics, & Plays in MLA Style

How to Use Lyrics in Essay Writing

Lyrics are an effective tool that can help you make your writing more emotional and better express some ideas. For example, if some song perfectly illustrates your point, you can cite its lyrics if the type of your essay allows you to do so. Learn more about using lyrics in writing with College Writers .

Sometimes, you may not have enough fresh ideas, brainstorming on some topic over and over again, but suddenly you hear a song that expresses your thoughts clearly, in a concise way. If this situation looks familiar to you, it means that you may try to use such a song in your essay. In addition, it’s a great way to make your academic text less boring.

However, using songs in writing may turn out to be not an easy task because of copyright issues. Fortunately, there is no law that would determine the number of words you’re allowed to use in your texts. The main thing is to use in-text citations and to write a proper reference page so that you won’t need to worry about plagiarism.

How to Quote Songs

There are many different citation formats, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, etc. Every citation style has its requirements that you should follow. What these styles have in common is that you should use both in-text citations in parentheses and a references list. The way you should write citations for lyrics may vary.

For example, when quoting lyrics in MLA style, you should provide the artist’s name after the quote, in parentheses. When writing citations according to Harvard or APA format, you should also include the year and the number of the track on the album.

When citing songs, you should always use quotation marks. However, if your quote is several lines long, you should use a block quote, indenting the citation from the paragraph.

How to Quote Lyrics in References

You should also make notes in the references list, providing the name of the album that contains the song. For instance, when writing references according to MLA style, you should include an artist’s name first, followed by the name of the album, the recording studio, and the date. You might also specify the format:

The Artist. The Album. Studio, 1995. CD.

If you’ve used a website instead of a physical copy, you should provide the URL, after the year.

When writing references in Harvard or APA format, they should look like this:

The Artist. (1995). The Album. [CD]. City: Recording Studio (Recorded 1994).

Quotation Marks vs. Italics

When citing songs, many students cannot figure out whether they should use quotation marks or italics. Fortunately, there are simple rules: write the title of a song in quotation marks, and italicize the names of albums and CDs.

Keep in mind that if the title of the song ends with an exclamation point or question mark, they must stay within quotation marks. However, the punctuation may also go beyond the quotation marks if it’s not a part of the title.

Final Thoughts

We recommend that you keep in mind the following tips when citing songs in your essays.

Avoid clichés. Some songs are too popular and some lyrics are cited too often so they won’t help you support a specific point.
Don’t try to include as many lyrics as you can. If you want to cite a big fragment of a song, the best way to do it is to paraphrase. Select a few lines that are directly related to your argument and cite them.
Think of what your readers will imagine. Songs are poetic so they evoke certain images in your readers’ minds. If you’ve selected lyrics that don’t serve this purpose, we recommend that you try to describe your thoughts in another way.

Using lyrics when writing academic essays is a good idea. However, we recommend that you check out our tips and make sure that you know how to do it properly so that your paper will look professional.

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Analyzing a Song – So Simple Every Student Can Do It

December 13, 2022 // by Lindsay Ann // 2 Comments

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English teachers, teaching your students how to analyze song lyrics needs to be a “go-to” strategy, a step toward deeper analysis of more complex texts .

Whether you’re teaching poetry, persuasive essays, or some other writing unit, analyzing song lyrics will give your students an opportunity to look at the different ways that language can be used to capture emotions and tell stories .

This close reading process will also help improve their vocabulary and grammar skills while they are having fun!

Here are some tips on how to teach students to analyze song lyrics so that they can gain valuable writing knowledge through a familiar medium they love!

Analysis of Song Lyrics

Taylor Swift makes analyzing song lyrics in the classroom easy peasy. Like her or not, you can count on her to write songs that tell a story, are layered in deep meaning, and littered with Easter eggs that are fun to try and collect (even for the non-Swifties).

Taylor Swift’s “ Anti Hero” is a fun student-friendly song to bring into the classroom to practice analysis skills.

With callbacks to songs on other albums in lines like “I have this thing where I get older but just never wiser,” you can challenge students to analyze the development of a theme across multiple texts (helloooo higher level DOK and those really tricky to meet standards!).

Lyrics like “I’m the problem; it’s me” coupled with the title setup an opportunity to teach the concept of anti-hero (I especially like the idea of teaching about anti-heroes after teaching about the hero’s journey) and challenging students to analyze how Swift herself could be seen as this archetype by analyzing other songs and conducting online research.

“Anti Hero” also has what appear to be two references to pop culture ( 30 Rock and Knives Out ) that had even the swiftest of Swifties stumped online. These references are an accessible way to introduce the idea of allegory.

Taylor has really teed up the song analysis practice in English classrooms to be endless with so many rabbit holes to go down at every turn!

Song Meaning “Hallelujah”

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has a deep meaning making it a popular choice for teaching song analysis. The meaning of Hallelujah is about someone who was deeply in love and is mourning the guilt of the loss of that love .

The song can teach students how to analyze lyrics by pointing out that even though it doesn’t say so explicitly, this is a song about a break-up .

They can also learn other aspects of reading literature, like examining tone and form. Analyzing song lyrics enables students to apply what they’ve learned as they read other texts or songs.

After reading a poem or listening to a song’s lyrics, students should be able to answer questions like:

Who is speaking?
How do you know?
What do you think the speaker’s feelings are?
What does this tell you about their personality?
Do these feelings make sense for the situation?

Good Songs to Analyze

When choosing good songs to analyze remember these three things:

Choose a song that tells a story
A song with a deep meaning or theme that challenges students’ inferential thinking skills works best
Pick songs that students will know and be excited to listen to (that means that while “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is technically a great song for analysis, it might not be the most engaging for your students)

Here are some songs for teaching song analysis that will not only help you teach important analysis skills but also engage and delight your students:

“ Pray for Me ” by the Weeknd ft. Kendrick Lamar
“ Thunder ” by Imagine Dragons
“ Bohemian Rhapsody ” by Queen (this one is suitable for older students)
“ Born This Way ” by Lady Gaga
“ Getting Older ” by Billie Eilish
“ Drivers License ” by Olivia Rodrigo
“ This is America ” by Childish Gambino/Donald Glover
“ Matilda ” by Harry Styles
“ Victoria’s Secret ” by Jax (does have some profanity – I’ve linked the “clean” version)
“ Vacation ” by The Dirty Heads (does say “shit”)

How to Analyze a Song

Teaching students how to analyze a song is similar to teaching poetry or literary analysis, but using songs disguises the learning as a fun activity making it really engaging and accessible for all learners.

Start by having students listen to their song twice .

Instruct them to listen through for the first time just for enjoyment and to follow along with the printed lyrics (or digital if you have a way for students to access the lyrics online).
Then have them listen a second time but this time have them highlight and circle words and phrases that they think are important and interesting.

Challenge students to consider the following questions during their second time listening and to annotate the lyrics as they go:

Who’s telling the story? What’s their perspective? How do they feel? What’s making them feel that way?
What’s the mood of the song? Do the lyrics or the music contribute more to the mood?
What figurative language do you notice in the lyrics? Why might the songwriter have chosen to include that figurative language?
What could the songwriter be saying about human nature or society through their lyrics? How could you write a theme statement about these lyrics?

Once you’ve gotten your students started with the analysis process, make sure to involve your students. Ask them what they notice and use their insights to build discussion. Have them write a summary of the song or write a detailed analysis or work on a more creative, visual response.

Song & Poem Analysis Paired Text Lesson Plans

Make close reading, textual analysis and literary analysis of songs (and poems) less intimidating with these detailed, CCSS-aligned close reading song analysis lesson plans for paired texts . Integrated close reading, text-based writing, speaking, listening, and inquiry skills, make these lessons both engaging and worthwhile.

To help you save prep time, I’ve put together some awesome lessons for you HERE , including:

Carrie Underwood’s song “Cry Pretty” & Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ song “Growing Up”
William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” & Imagine Dragons’ song “Whatever it Takes”
Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” and Tupac’s song “Still I Rise”
Stephen Dobyns’ poem “Loud Music” and Incubus’ song “Dig”
“Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day and “Brick by Boring Brick” by Paramore
“Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Protest Songs
“Mad World” by Tears for Fears and “A Million Dreams” sung by Pink / The Greatest Showman

Wrapping Up

When students analyze songs, they think about its overall impact.

What makes this song great, and why do you like it? What is it about this song that makes it stand out?

Thinking through these ideas with easily-accessible texts makes transferring their skills and knowledge to literature (ya know, the kind with the capital L ) easier.

They’ll have practice analyzing craft moves like figurative language and allegory, but they’ll also have practice with those more complex reading strategies like making inferences and connections .

Have a song you think would be perfect to analyze in the classroom? I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a comment below to share!

Hey, if you loved this post, you’ll want to download a FREE copy of my guide to streamlined grading .

I know how hard it is to do all the things as an English teacher, so I’m excited to share some of my best strategies for reducing the grading overwhelm.

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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

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How do I cite song lyrics?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to Write a Song Analysis for English Class

Listening to your favorite music might be an enjoyable pastime, but analyzing a song lets you apply what you're learning in English class to a favorite composition. Figurative language, tone and theme are just a few literary devices you can practice identifying as you write about music. By analyzing these elements, you can gain an greater appreciation for the practical application of the tools of English to songwriting.

Select an original, meaningful song for your paper topic. Consider the emotional depth of the lyrics, the themes and issues it introduces and its creative use of language as you choose a song to write about. For example, "Imagine" by John Lennon, which speculates about what a world full of peace would look like, presents a strong message about countering the effects of violence and spiritual conflict in the world.

Listen to the song with the lyrics in front of you. As you play the song, underline or highlight important lines and phrases that contribute to its meaning, as well as any personal thoughts or responses that come to mind. These reactions can help you shape the analysis of your song when you begin to write.

Introduce your song in the essay by giving some historical background about it, including the songwriter, year and any events that that shaped its creation. For example, "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen showcases the resiliency of Americans after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Describing this context would be a good way to introduce readers to the song and its theme of survival.

Analyze the lyrics by examining figurative language, phrases that describe something by comparing it to something else. In "The Sound of Silence," for example, Simon and Garfunkel use personification, which gives emotional characteristics to an object, animal or idea. By addressing the song to the "darkness" of nighttime, they emphasize the song's themes of loneliness and isolation. You can also write about the use of rhyme, repetition and other sound devices. In "Bleeding Me" by Metallica, the speaker uses repeated lines such as "I'm digging my way" and "This thorn in my side" to show his struggle in breaking away from addiction.

Analyze the song's use of musical arrangements. Think about how the song's choice of a major or minor key, dominant instruments and texture relate to the lyrics and theme and create a specific mood. For example, the minor piano chords and driving drumbeats of Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" illustrate the speaker's desolation after the end of a bitter relationship.

Write a conclusion that emphasizes the main theme of the song. If you're writing about Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful," for example, you might say that the song encourages people who have been bullied to recognize and celebrate their uniqueness rather than let people's words hurt them. Draw your paper together in a way that shows how the song's lyrical and musical elements illustrate this message.

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Milton District High School: Lyric/Song Writing and Analysis

Kori Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and has been crafting online and print educational materials since 2006. She taught creative writing and composition at West Virginia University and the University of Akron and her fiction, poetry and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals.

How to Quote Song Lyrics in APA

This blog is a repost. It was originally published on the APU Writing Center’s blog. This post also follows guidelines for APA 6th edition; it has not been updated to reflect APA 7th edition guidelines. However, many of the principles for the 6th edition remain in place for the 7th edition.

Music classes use both Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and the American Psychological Association (APA) manual as style guides. Generally, if you are in a music literature class, your professor will have CMOS or its student version, Turabian, listed on your course syllabus as the course style guide. ( You can read about how to cite song lyrics in CMOS in another blog post. )

If, however, you are taking music education courses or writing your master’s thesis in music education, then APA will govern most of your style and documentation. This blog post examines conventions for citing music lyrics in APA.The tricky thing about citing musical works in APA is that no section of the APA manual strictly examines citing musical sources. Instead, you have to consider the format or medium of the source (e.g., a book or recording) and apply the principles of APA to citing and referencing that kind of source. This blog post will walk you through some APA principles that you can apply to citing music sources.

In-text Citations

For run-in quotations, separate line breaks with a forward slash, with a space on each side ( / ), and stanza breaks with two forward slashes ( // ). However, if at all possible, avoid stanza breaks in a run-in quote, as quotes that include stanza breaks are usually clearer as a block quotation.

Your in-text, parenthetical citation in APA for lyrics will have the same components as other in-text citations: (Who, When, Where). Additionally, you should follow the same APA guidelines for paraphrasing and quoting lyrics and other information related to music as you would any other information.

Because we are dealing with lyrics, our in-text citation should consist of the songwriter’s last name (Who), the date the recording or printed music was originally released (When), and the track number for recorded music or line number or pamphlet page number for printed lyrics (Where). Run-in citations for these songs could look like this:

While George and Ira Gershwin originally composed the song “Someone to Watch Over Me” in 1926 for singer Gertrude Lawrence to perform in the musical Oh, Kay! , it is better known today as a jazz standard. Artists of both genders have performed the song, with lyrics amended to fit the soloist’s gender. However, amending the lyrics may not make the song’s gender bias any more palatable. Ella Fitzgerald sings the original lyrics, which express that it is acceptable, even preferable, that a woman not have high expectations of her suitor’s physical appearance: “although he may not be the man-some girls think of as handsome/ to my heart he carries the key” (Gershwin & Gershwin, 1926/1995, vol. 3, track 1). Frank Sinatra also downplays a male suitor’s appearance when he sings, “although I may not be the man-some girls think of as handsome/ but to her heart I’ll carry the key” (Gershwin & Gershwin, 1926/2000, track 6), but these lyrics may make the suitor appear narcissistic.

Because the copyright date and recording date are different in these cases, we used both dates in the in-text citation. Also, because this citation references recorded music, we use the track number instead of verse or stanza number: (Gershwin & Gershwin, 1926/2000, track 6).

If you are quoting several lines of song lyrics (such as an entire verse), format it as a block quote, using standard APA formatting. Drop the parenthetical citation a line below the lyrics in order not to interfere with the text.

I’m a little lamb who’s lost in the wood I know I could always be good To one who’ll watch over me (Gershwin & Gershwin, 1926, stanza 6)

If you are quoting lyrics from a booklet, replace the track number with the booklet page number (as the words contained in CD booklets do not always correspond to what is sung on an album):

Janey, a letter came today And a picture of you. Your expression so like your father’s Brought back all the years. (Larsen, 2004, p. 13)

Reference Entries

Your reference entries for musical sources will have the same four components as other APA reference entries: Who. (When). What. Where.

The information in your in text citations should match the information included in the citation in your reference list. This means that if several different artists have recorded a song, you need to designate in your reference list whose rendition you are working with, and use that same information in your in-text citations. In other words, be sure to cite and reference the work(s) that you are actually using.

For example, here are the two reference listings for George and Ira Gershwin’s song “Someone to Watch Over Me” cited in the section above:

Gershwin, I. (Lyricist), & Gershwin, G. (Composer). (1926). Someone to watch over me [Recorded by Ella Fitzgerald]. On Ella: The legendary Decca recordings [CD, 4 vol]. Santa Monica, CA: The Verve Music Group. (1995) Gershwin, I. (Lyricist), & Gershwin, G. (Composer). (1926). Someone to watch over me [Recorded by Frank Sinatra]. On Classic Sinatra: His great performances 1953-1960 [CD]. Los Angeles, CA: Capital Records, Inc. (2000)

In these references, both the lyricist (Ira Gershwin) and composer (George Gershwin) are listed because the recording’s liner notes list both. The date the song was originally released is different than the date the song was released as part of the listed album. Both dates are included in the citation. The information in square brackets lets readers know who sang the song, and in what medium you accessed the song.

If the first recording did not list either the composer or lyricist, it would look like this:

Someone to watch over me [Recorded by Ella Fitzgerald]. (1926). On Ella: The legendary Decca recordings [CD, 4 vol]. Santa Monica, CA: The Verve Music Group. (1995)

Here’s a reference listing for a songwriter who has recorded their own song:

Loeb, L. (1997). I do. On Firecracker [CD]. New York, NY: Geffen Records.

If you were citing the lyrics from a printed score and not a recording, you would reference the score as you would a book:

Griner, J. (Librettist), & Gawthrop, D.E. (Composer). (1997). Behold this mystery. Stafford, VA: Dunstan House.

Sometimes it is helpful to know which edition of the score you are working from (e.g., the full orchestral score, the piano reduction, or the choral arrangement):

Griner, J. (Librettist), & Gawthrop, D.E. (Composer). (1997). Behold this mystery [SATB score]. Stafford, VA: Dunstan House.

Further Troubleshooting

See section 7.07 of the APA Publication Manual for instructions on citing and referencing recorded music and other audiovisual formats. If you have additional questions about citing and referencing music lyrics in APA, you can go to the APA Style Blog and use the search bar to look for blog posts that address your question.

How to Use a Dissertation Style Guide

How to quote song lyrics in cmos.

Home / Essay Samples / Music / Music Genre / Song Analysis

Song Analysis Essay Examples

A song analysis essay examples is a form of literary analysis that delves into the meaning, symbolism, and artistic elements of a song’s lyrics and composition. The purpose of such an essay is to explore the deeper layers of a song’s message, uncover its thematic implications, and provide insights into the emotions and ideas it conveys. Through careful examination, song analysis essays provide readers with a richer appreciation for the artistry of music and its ability to evoke powerful emotions.

Exploration of Lyrics and Themes

One of the primary goals of a song analysis essay is to explore the lyrics and themes of the song in-depth. This involves dissecting the words, metaphors, and narrative elements used by the songwriter to convey a specific message or tell a story. Essays of this nature aim to uncover the underlying emotions and ideas behind the song’s words.

Song analysis essays also focus on the musical elements of the composition, including melody, rhythm, harmony, and instrumentation. These essays explore how these elements contribute to the mood and atmosphere of the song, enhancing the overall impact of the message being conveyed.

Many songs incorporate symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Song analysis essays aim to interpret and decode the symbolic language used by the songwriter. This can involve analyzing recurring motifs, imagery, and metaphors to understand their significance and how they contribute to the song’s overall meaning.

Tips for Writing a Song Analysis Essay

Choose a Song: Select a song that resonates with you and has layers of meaning to explore. Thesis Statement: Begin with a clear thesis that outlines the main themes and elements you will analyze. Lyric Analysis: Examine the lyrics closely, paying attention to word choices, figurative language, and narrative structure. Musical Analysis: Discuss the musical elements and how they contribute to the emotional impact of the song. Context: Consider the historical, cultural, and personal context that might influence the song’s meaning. Supporting Evidence: Use quotes from the song’s lyrics and reference musical elements as evidence for your analysis. Interpretation: Offer your own interpretation of the song’s meaning, supported by your analysis. Conclusion: Summarize your findings and discuss the broader implications of the song’s themes.

A song analysis essay serves as a way to appreciate the artistry and depth of songs beyond their surface level. By analyzing lyrics, themes, and musical elements, these essays provide insights into the emotions, ideas, and experiences that music can convey, making the listening experience more meaningful and thought-provoking.

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