So You Wanna Be a Chicago Style Singing Siren? How to Cite Songs Like a Boss
Ever rocked out to a killer tune that perfectly encapsulates your argument in a research paper, only to be stumped by the mysterious world of Chicago-style song citation? Fear not, fellow scholars of melody! This guide will have you dropping footnotes like a musicologist with a microphone.
First Things First: You Gotta Know Your Song
- Who's belting it out? Is it a solo act like Beyoncé slaying the charts, or a harmonious herd like Mumford & Sons? Grab the artist or band name.
- What's the name of the masterpiece? This seems obvious, but avoid that awkward "ummm... the catchy one?" moment when referencing your source.
- Album intel: Was this song a chart-topping solo venture or part of a bigger, album-shaped picture? Note the album title if it exists.
Remember: For these details, the album liner notes or a quick online search are your best friends.
Now We're Talking: Chicago Style Citation Breakdown
Here's where the magic happens. Buckle up for a citation formula that'll have you channeling your inner academic rockstar.
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Artist Name(s). "Title of Song." Bold the title – that's the song, not the whole album.
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Track Number (if applicable) on Title of Album (if applicable).
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Publisher (the record label), Year (of release), Medium (CD, vinyl, or that fancy new streaming platform you use).
For Example: Let's say you're referencing Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody." Here's how it would look:
Queen. "Bohemian Rhapsody." Track 1 on A Night at the Opera. EMI, 1975, CD.
But Wait, There's More! (Because the Music Never Stops)
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Online Songs: If your jam resides solely in the digital realm, list the Streaming Service (Spotify, Apple Music) after the medium.
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Lyrics Love: Referencing song lyrics themselves? Treat them like a website citation. Include the Website Name (like Genius) and URL.
Citation Showcase: Dropping Names Like They're Hot
Now that you're a certified Chicago-style song citation guru, let's see some examples in action:
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For the Classic Rock Fan: Led Zeppelin. "Stairway to Heaven." Track 4 on Led Zeppelin IV. Atlantic Records, 1971, CD.
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For the Indie Enthusiast: Arcade Fire. "Reflektor." Reflektor. Merge Records, 2013, CD.
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For the Online Streamer: Lizzo. "Truth Hurts." [Streaming Service], Track 3 on Cuz I Love You (Deluxe). Atlantic Records, 2019, Streaming Audio.
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For the Lyric Lover: Bob Dylan. "Blowin' in the Wind." Accessed April 10, 2024, from https://genius.com/Bob-dylan-and-the-band-blowin-in-the-wind-lyrics.
So there you have it! With this knowledge in your back pocket, you can confidently weave songs into your research papers, making your arguments as smooth as your favorite playlist. Now go forth, scholars, and rock the academic world with your Chicago-style citations!
