How to Cite a Song in APA

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Understanding how to cite songs in APA is crucial for projects that study pop culture, sociology, and a variety of other topics. This guide will show you how to cite songs following the guidelines for APA 7th edition.

Guide Overview

Citing a song

Reference list entry structure:

Songwriter last name, F. M. (Copyright year). Song title [Recorded by F.M. Last (performer’s name/musical group)]. On Album title [Medium of recording]. Record label name.

Note: If the songwriter and performer are the same person, leave out the bracketed data [Recorded by _______] following the song title.

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Reference list entry example:

Turner, A. (2013). Do I wanna know? [Recorded by Arctic Monkeys]. On AM [Album]. Domino Records.

In-text citation structure & example:

(Songwriter last name, Year)

(Turner, 2013)

Citing a song retrieved online

Reference list entry structure:

Songwriter last name, F. M. (Copyright year). Song title [Recorded by F.M. Last (performer’s name/musical group)] [Lyrics]. Retrieved from URL

Reference list entry example:

Simon, P. (1972). Me and Julio down by the schoolyard [Lyrics]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/JVdlpZ4M-Hw

Note: If the songwriter and performer are the same person, leave out the bracketed data [Recorded by _______] following the song title.

 

 

Citing an album

Reference list entry structure:

Recording Artist or Group. (Date). Album title in sentence case [Album]. Record label name.

Reference list entry examples:

Abdul, P. (1992). Forever your girl [Album]. Virgin Records US.

King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard. (2019). Infest the rat’s nest [Album]. ATO Records.

In-text citation structure & example:

(Recording artist last name, Year)

(Abdul, 1992)

(King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard, 2019)

Citing a classical music album

For a classical music album, write the name of the composer as the author and the individuals/group who recorded the album in square brackets after the album title. At the end of the reference, include the original date of publication.

Reference list entry structure:

Composer last name, F. M. (Date). Album title in sentence case. [Album recorded by group/last name, F. M.]. Recording label. (Original work published date)

Reference list entry example:

Hopkins, A. (2011). And the waltz goes on. [Album recorded by A. Rieu & Johann Strauss Orchestra]. Decca. (Original work published 1725)

In-text citation structure & example:

For albums that have been rerecorded or reissued, include the original publication, write a slash, then include the date of the version you are using.

(Composer last name, Year)

(Hopkins, 1725/2011)

Citing an album that has been reissued or re-recorded

Include the original date of publication in paratheses after the recording label.

Reference list entry structure:

Recording Artist or Group. (Date). Album title in sentence case. [Album recorded by group/last name, F. M.]. Recording label. (Original work published date)

Reference list entry example:

The Rolling Stones. (2015). Sticky fingers [Album]. UMe. (Originally published 1971)

In-text citation structure & example:

For albums that have been rerecorded or reissued, include the original publication, write a slash, then include the date of the version you are using.

(Recording artist last name, Year)

(The Rolling Stones, 1971/2015)

 

 

APA Formatting Guide

APA Formatting

Citation Examples

 

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How do I cite a song or music video in APA format?

To cite a song or music video in APA style, you need to have basic information including the name of the composer, title of the song or music, company name, and publication date. The templates for in-text citation and reference list entry of a song or music video, along with examples, are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

In parenthetical citations, use the composer’s surname and the publication year.

Narrative

Composer’s Surname (Publication Year)

Beyoncé (2013)

Parenthetical

(Composer’s Surname, Publication Year)

(Beyoncé, 2013)

Reference list entry template and example:

Template:

Songwriter F.M. (Copyright year). Song title [Recorded by F.M. Last (performer’s name/musical group)]. On Album title [Medium of recording]. City, State of label: Record label name.

Example:

Beyoncé. (2013). Ring off. On Beyoncé: Platinum Edition [MP3 file]. Los Angeles, CA: Parkwood; Columbia.

How do I cite lyrics in APA format?

To cite lyrics in APA format, you need to have basic information including the name of the composer, title of the song, company name, date, and URL. The templates for in-text citation and reference list entry of lyrics, along with examples, are given below:

In-text citation template and example:

In parenthetical citations, use the composer’s surname and the publication year.

(Composer’s Surname, Publication Year, timestamp)

(Beyoncé, 2019, 02:36)

Reference list entry template and example:

Template:

Songwriter F.M. (Copyright year). Song title [Recorded by F.M. Last (performer’s name/musical group)]. On Album title [Medium of recording]. City, State of label: Record label name.

Example:

Beyoncé. (2019). Don’t jealous me. On Beyoncé: Platinum Edition [MP3 file]. Los Angeles, CA: Parkwood; Columbia.