How to Write a Song Title in an Essay
Complete formatting and punctuation guidelines for MLA 9th Edition, APA 7th Edition, and Chicago Style Manual.
- • Song Titles (Short Works): Enclose in double quotation marks — e.g. "Respect"
- • Album Titles (Long Works): Italicize — e.g. I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
- • In-Text Citations: Include artist last name and release year depending on citation style.
Rule 1: Use Quotation Marks for Individual Song Titles
In academic prose, individual songs, single tracks, and short instrumental pieces are classified as "short works" (similar to poem titles or magazine articles). Consequently, you should always place song names inside quotation marks:
Rule 2: Italicize Full Albums and Long Operatic Works
When referencing a full-length album, EP, opera, or symphony, use italics rather than quotation marks:
Related Formatting Guides & AI Tools
• Compare detailed style guides in our companion post: Do You Italicize Song Titles or Put Them in Quotes?.
• Generate title ideas for your music essays or creative projects with our free AI Song Title Generator.
• Turn study notes or essay summaries into catchy songs with Study Notes to Song.
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Create AI Song Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Do you put song titles in quotation marks in an essay?
Yes, in both MLA and APA style guides, song titles are placed in double quotation marks (" ") because they are considered short musical works.
Are album titles formatted differently than song titles?
Yes! Album titles are considered full-length works and must be italicized (e.g. Abbey Road), whereas song titles on the album go in quotes (e.g. "Come Together").
How do you capitalize song titles in college essays?
Capitalize nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Do not capitalize short prepositions or conjunctions unless they begin or end the title.