How to Cite a Song in MLA 9th edition

A recording of a song or other piece of music.

Example in MLA 9th edition

Queen. “Bohemian Rhapsody.” A Night at the Opera, EMI, 1975.
In-text (Queen)

What MLA 9th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Song Title
  • Artist/Performer
  • Album
  • Record Label
  • Release Date

Note the songwriter/composer, performer (if different), album title, record label, and year. Include track number for album citations.

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in MLA 9th edition.

A Song in other styles

APA 7th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in MLA 9th edition

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI