Are Songs Quoted or Italicized? The Ultimate Guide to Song Titles in Writing

When you reference music in writing, you might wonder whether songs should be quoted or italicized. Style guides treat song titles differently depending on context.

This article explains how to punctuate song titles in essays, blogs, and professional documents, with clear rules and examples.

Song Titles in Prose and Academic Writing

In most style guides, song titles are considered short works and are enclosed in quotation marks. This applies to both MLA and APA formats when you cite a track in an essay or research paper.

Placing titles in quotation marks signals that you are referencing a specific creative work rather than a concept. It also helps readers distinguish the song from the album or artist name.

When you mention a song within a sentence, use double quotation marks and follow the standard punctuation rules for quotes, placing commas and periods inside the closing mark.

Italics for Album Names and Standalone Releases

Album titles, EPs, and full-length projects are treated as larger bodies of work and should be italicized rather than placed in quotation marks. Italics help them stand out on the page.

For example, you would write Rumours for the album, but "Go Your Own Way" for the individual track. This distinction clarifies whether you are discussing the collection or a single song.

When referencing a music video that functions as its own release, italics are often appropriate, especially if the video has a distinct title and distribution channel.

Citing Lyrics and Quoting Song Lines

Short quoted lines from songs should appear inside quotation marks within your sentence, just like any other brief quotation. Use slashes with spaces between lines when quoting multiple lines in prose.

For longer excerpts of lyrics, block quotation formatting may be used, and the source should be cited according to your required style guide. Accurate line numbering is essential for academic integrity.

Always verify lyrics against official sources, as slight wording changes can affect meaning and citation accuracy in scholarly work.

Formatting in Digital Media and Blogs

Online publications often have more flexibility, allowing italics for song titles when the platform design supports readability. Italics can be easier to scan than repeated quotation marks.

Consistency is key, so choose one method and apply it across your site or publication. If in doubt, follow the conventions of your niche or the expectations of your editor.

Hyperlinking song titles is common on the web and can complement formatting by directing readers to official sources or streaming platforms.

Key Takeaways for Proper Song Title Formatting

• Use quotation marks for song titles in academic and most digital writing.
• Italicize album titles and major music releases.
• Maintain consistency across your entire document or publication.
• Verify official spelling and punctuation before publishing or citing.
• Hyperlinking can enhance user experience on web platforms.