lyrics in an essay

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How to Use Lyrics in Essay Writing

Lyrics are an effective tool that can help you make your writing more emotional and better express some ideas. For example, if some song perfectly illustrates your point, you can cite its lyrics if the type of your essay allows you to do so. Learn more about using lyrics in writing with College Writers .

Sometimes, you may not have enough fresh ideas, brainstorming on some topic over and over again, but suddenly you hear a song that expresses your thoughts clearly, in a concise way. If this situation looks familiar to you, it means that you may try to use such a song in your essay. In addition, it’s a great way to make your academic text less boring.

However, using songs in writing may turn out to be not an easy task because of copyright issues. Fortunately, there is no law that would determine the number of words you’re allowed to use in your texts. The main thing is to use in-text citations and to write a proper reference page so that you won’t need to worry about plagiarism.

How to Quote Songs

There are many different citation formats, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, etc. Every citation style has its requirements that you should follow. What these styles have in common is that you should use both in-text citations in parentheses and a references list. The way you should write citations for lyrics may vary.

For example, when quoting lyrics in MLA style, you should provide the artist’s name after the quote, in parentheses. When writing citations according to Harvard or APA format, you should also include the year and the number of the track on the album.

When citing songs, you should always use quotation marks. However, if your quote is several lines long, you should use a block quote, indenting the citation from the paragraph.

How to Quote Lyrics in References

You should also make notes in the references list, providing the name of the album that contains the song. For instance, when writing references according to MLA style, you should include an artist’s name first, followed by the name of the album, the recording studio, and the date. You might also specify the format:

The Artist. The Album. Studio, 1995. CD.

If you’ve used a website instead of a physical copy, you should provide the URL, after the year.

When writing references in Harvard or APA format, they should look like this:

The Artist. (1995). The Album. [CD]. City: Recording Studio (Recorded 1994).

Quotation Marks vs. Italics

When citing songs, many students cannot figure out whether they should use quotation marks or italics. Fortunately, there are simple rules: write the title of a song in quotation marks, and italicize the names of albums and CDs.

Keep in mind that if the title of the song ends with an exclamation point or question mark, they must stay within quotation marks. However, the punctuation may also go beyond the quotation marks if it’s not a part of the title.

Final Thoughts

We recommend that you keep in mind the following tips when citing songs in your essays.

Avoid clichés. Some songs are too popular and some lyrics are cited too often so they won’t help you support a specific point.
Don’t try to include as many lyrics as you can. If you want to cite a big fragment of a song, the best way to do it is to paraphrase. Select a few lines that are directly related to your argument and cite them.
Think of what your readers will imagine. Songs are poetic so they evoke certain images in your readers’ minds. If you’ve selected lyrics that don’t serve this purpose, we recommend that you try to describe your thoughts in another way.

Using lyrics when writing academic essays is a good idea. However, we recommend that you check out our tips and make sure that you know how to do it properly so that your paper will look professional.

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How To Write Song Lyrics In An Essay: Tips For Incorporating Songs In Your Papers

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A Guide to Lyric Essay Writing: 4 Evocative Essays and Prompts to Learn From

Poets can learn a lot from blurring genres. Whether getting inspiration from fiction proves effective in building characters or song-writing provides a musical tone, poetry intersects with a broader literary landscape. This shines through especially in lyric essays, a form that has inspired articles from the Poetry Foundation and Purdue Writing Lab , as well as become the concept for a 2015 anthology titled We Might as Well Call it the Lyric Essay.

Put simply, the lyric essay is a hybrid, creative nonfiction form that combines the rich figurative language of poetry with the longer-form analysis and narrative of essay or memoir. Oftentimes, it emerges as a way to explore a big-picture idea with both imagery and rigor. These four examples provide an introduction to the writing style, as well as spotlight tips for creating your own.

1. Draft a “braided essay,” like Michelle Zauner in this excerpt from Crying in H Mart .

Before Crying in H Mart became a bestselling memoir, Michelle Zauner—a writer and frontwoman of the band Japanese Breakfast—published an essay of the same name in The New Yorker . It opens with the fascinating and emotional sentence, “Ever since my mom died, I cry in H Mart.” This first line not only immediately propels the reader into Zauner’s grief, but it also reveals an example of the popular “braided essay” technique, which weaves together two distinct but somehow related experiences.

Throughout the work, Zauner establishes a parallel between her and her mother’s relationship and traditional Korean food. “You’ll likely find me crying by the banchan refrigerators, remembering the taste of my mom’s soy-sauce eggs and cold radish soup,” Zauner writes, illuminating the deeply personal and mystifying experience of grieving through direct, sensory imagery.

2. Experiment with nonfiction forms , like Hadara Bar-Nadav in “ Selections from Babyland . ”

Lyric essays blend poetic qualities and nonfiction qualities. Hadara Bar-Nadav illustrates this experimental nature in Selections from Babyland , a multi-part lyric essay that delves into experiences with infertility. Though Bar-Nadav’s writing throughout this piece showcases rhythmic anaphora—a definite poetic skill—it also plays with nonfiction forms not typically seen in poetry, including bullet points and a multiple-choice list.

For example, when recounting unsolicited advice from others, Bar-Nadav presents their dialogue in the following way:

I heard about this great _____________.

a. acupuncturist

b. chiropractor

d. shamanic healer

e. orthodontist ( can straighter teeth really make me pregnant ?)

This unexpected visual approach feels reminiscent of an article or quiz—both popular nonfiction forms—and adds dimension and white space to the lyric essay.

3. Travel through time , like Nina Boutsikaris in “ Some Sort of Union .”

Nina Boutsikaris is the author of I’m Trying to Tell You I’m Sorry: An Intimacy Triptych , and her work has also appeared in an anthology of the best flash nonfiction. Her essay “Some Sort of Union,” published in Hippocampus Magazine , was a finalist in the magazine’s Best Creative Nonfiction contest.

Since lyric essays are typically longer and more free verse than poems, they can be a way to address a larger idea or broader time period. Boutsikaris does this in “Some Sort of Union,” where the speaker drifts from an interaction with a romantic interest to her childhood.

“They were neighbors, the girl and the air force paramedic. She could have seen his front door from her high-rise window if her window faced west rather than east,” Boutsikaris describes. “When she first met him two weeks ago, she’d been wearing all white, buying a wedge of cheap brie at the corner market.”

In the very next paragraph, Boutskiras shifts this perspective and timeline, writing, “The girl’s mother had been angry with her when she was a child. She had needed something from the girl that the girl did not know how to give. Not the way her mother hoped she would.”

As this example reveals, examining different perspectives and timelines within a lyric essay can flesh out a broader understanding of who a character is.

4. Bring in research, history, and data, like Roxane Gay in “ What Fullness Is .”

Like any other form of writing, lyric essays benefit from in-depth research. And while journalistic or scientific details can sometimes throw off the concise ecosystem and syntax of a poem, the lyric essay has room for this sprawling information.

In “What Fullness Is,” award-winning writer Roxane Gay contextualizes her own ideas and experiences with weight loss surgery through the history and culture surrounding the procedure.

“The first weight-loss surgery was performed during the 10th century, on D. Sancho, the king of León, Spain,” Gay details. “He was so fat that he lost his throne, so he was taken to Córdoba, where a doctor sewed his lips shut. Only able to drink through a straw, the former king lost enough weight after a time to return home and reclaim his kingdom.”

“The notion that thinness—and the attempt to force the fat body toward a state of culturally mandated discipline—begets great rewards is centuries old.”

Researching and knowing this history empowers Gay to make a strong central point in her essay.

Bonus prompt: Choose one of the techniques above to emulate in your own take on the lyric essay. Happy writing!

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How to Write Lyrics in an Essay

Kimberley mcgee, 24 jun 2018.

They're effective tools and can elicit a certain type of mood in an eloquent way. Citing lyrics in an essay can purvey points that bring home the theme of the essay and add ambiance to an argument. Aside from putting them in quotation marks, possibly italics if deemed necessary, there are a few important rules to understand when quoting lyrics in an essay.

Explore this article

Copyright Law
How to Cite Lyrics in a Paper
To Quote or Paraphrase

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Word-processing program

1 Copyright Law

Lyrics are allowed to be quoted, with a few exceptions. Under the fair use doctrine of the United States copyright law, a phrase, bridge or section of a song can be quoted in small portions. The law isn’t specific as to the percentage of words from the song you can use or how many words in total you can quote from a particular song in the text.

2 How to Cite Lyrics in a Paper

A research paper that isn’t publicly published can use a limited portion of a song to convey a point. Acknowledgment of the author of the song, not just the artist, is required to be included with in-text citations. The reference page of the paper needs to also include the artist, author (if different from the performer) and album name, if applicable. A CD reference requires the quote of the passage followed by a reference to the author and the CD title. This can be done in the essay and then referenced in the works-cited-list entry. The works-cited-list entry requires the artist or author of the song lyrics, album name as the source title, the publisher and date that the album was released for public consumption followed by the form it was published in, such as CD or MP3. If the lyrics chosen to highlight a point in the essay are from a website, provide a description rather than a title. Follow that with the official name of the website and any publication date or information connected to the quotes being published on that site. Attach the URL to the end of the listing with proper punctuation for the entry.

3 To Quote or Paraphrase

A direct quote should be distinct so as not to bore the reader and clutter the essay with unneeded words. Sometimes, quotes can break up the persuasive flow of a paper’s point. A block of quoted text, particularly if it's one that's popular with a large percentage of the population, can bore the reader. In this case, use the most influential part of the quote and move onto paraphrasing the rest to bring the reader back to the unique voice of the essay’s author. Don’t lean on quotes to express your views. Paraphrasing allows you to let your voice come through while relating to the reader through well-known lyrics.

Use care when including quotations and lyrics in an essay. Adding too many quotations has the effect of interrupting the flow of the text, and it may also lead instructors to scrutinize your work for possible plagiarism.
1 MLA Style Center: How do I cite song lyrics?
2 Case Western Reserve: Quote vs. Paraphrase

About the Author

Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Today’s Parent and other publications. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from UNLV. Her full bio and clips can be seen at www.vegaswriter.com.

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An Introduction to the Lyric Essay

Rebecca Hussey

Rebecca holds a PhD in English and is a professor at Norwalk Community College in Connecticut. She teaches courses in composition, literature, and the arts. When she’s not reading or grading papers, she’s hanging out with her husband and son and/or riding her bike and/or buying books. She can't get enough of reading and writing about books, so she writes the bookish newsletter "Reading Indie," focusing on small press books and translations. Newsletter: Reading Indie Twitter: @ofbooksandbikes

View All posts by Rebecca Hussey

Essays come in a bewildering variety of shapes and forms: they can be the five paragraph essays you wrote in school — maybe for or against gun control or on symbolism in The Great Gatsby . Essays can be personal narratives or argumentative pieces that appear on blogs or as newspaper editorials. They can be funny takes on modern life or works of literary criticism. They can even be book-length instead of short. Essays can be so many things!

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “lyric essay” and are wondering what that means. I’m here to help.

What is the Lyric Essay?

A quick definition of the term “lyric essay” is that it’s a hybrid genre that combines essay and poetry. Lyric essays are prose, but written in a manner that might remind you of reading a poem.

Before we go any further, let me step back with some more definitions. If you want to know the difference between poetry and prose, it’s simply that in poetry the line breaks matter, and in prose they don’t. That’s it! So the lyric essay is prose, meaning where the line breaks fall doesn’t matter, but it has other similarities to what you find in poems.

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Lyric essays have what we call “poetic” prose. This kind of prose draws attention to its own use of language. Lyric essays set out to create certain effects with words, often, although not necessarily, aiming to create beauty. They are often condensed in the way poetry is, communicating depth and complexity in few words. Chances are, you will take your time reading them, to fully absorb what they are trying to say. They may be more suggestive than argumentative and communicate multiple meanings, maybe even contradictory ones.

Lyric essays often have lots of white space on their pages, as poems do. Sometimes they use the space of the page in creative ways, arranging chunks of text differently than regular paragraphs, or using only part of the page, for example. They sometimes include photos, drawings, documents, or other images to add to (or have some other relationship to) the meaning of the words.

Lyric essays can be about any subject. Often, they are memoiristic, but they don’t have to be. They can be philosophical or about nature or history or culture, or any combination of these things. What distinguishes them from other essays, which can also be about any subject, is their heightened attention to language. Also, they tend to deemphasize argument and carefully-researched explanations of the kind you find in expository essays . Lyric essays can argue and use research, but they are more likely to explore and suggest than explain and defend.

Now, you may be familiar with the term “ prose poem .” Even if you’re not, the term “prose poem” might sound exactly like what I’m describing here: a mix of poetry and prose. Prose poems are poetic pieces of writing without line breaks. So what is the difference between the lyric essay and the prose poem?

Honestly, I’m not sure. You could call some pieces of writing either term and both would be accurate. My sense, though, is that if you put prose and poetry on a continuum, with prose on one end and poetry on the other, and with prose poetry and the lyric essay somewhere in the middle, the prose poem would be closer to the poetry side and the lyric essay closer to the prose side.

Some pieces of writing just defy categorization, however. In the end, I think it’s best to call a work what the author wants it to be called, if it’s possible to determine what that is. If not, take your best guess.

Four Examples of the Lyric Essay

Below are some examples of my favorite lyric essays. The best way to learn about a genre is to read in it, after all, so consider giving one of these books a try!

Don't Let Me Be Lonely by Claudia Rankine cover

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine

Claudia Rankine’s book Citizen counts as a lyric essay, but I want to highlight her lesser-known 2004 work. In Don’t Let Me Be Lonely , Rankine explores isolation, depression, death, and violence from the perspective of post-9/11 America. It combines words and images, particularly television images, to ponder our relationship to media and culture. Rankine writes in short sections, surrounded by lots of white space, that are personal, meditative, beautiful, and achingly sad.

Calamities by Renee Gladman

Calamities is a collection of lyric essays exploring language, imagination, and the writing life. All of the pieces, up until the last 14, open with “I began the day…” and then describe what she is thinking and experiencing as a writer, teacher, thinker, and person in the world. Many of the essays are straightforward, while some become dreamlike and poetic. The last 14 essays are the “calamities” of the title. Together, the essays capture the artistic mind at work, processing experience and slowly turning it into writing.

The Self Unstable by Elisa Gabbert

The Self Unstable is a collection of short essays — or are they prose poems? — each about the length of a paragraph, one per page. Gabbert’s sentences read like aphorisms. They are short and declarative, and part of the fun of the book is thinking about how the ideas fit together. The essays are divided into sections with titles such as “The Self is Unstable: Humans & Other Animals” and “Enjoyment of Adversity: Love & Sex.” The book is sharp, surprising, and delightful.

Bluets by Maggie Nelson

Bluets is made up of short essayistic, poetic paragraphs, organized in a numbered list. Maggie Nelson’s subjects are many and include the color blue, in which she finds so much interest and meaning it will take your breath away. It’s also about suffering: she writes about a friend who became a quadriplegic after an accident, and she tells about her heartbreak after a difficult break-up. Bluets is meditative and philosophical, vulnerable and personal. It’s gorgeous, a book lovers of The Argonauts shouldn’t miss.

It’s probably no surprise that all of these books are published by small presses. Lyric essays are weird and genre-defying enough that the big publishers generally avoid them. This is just one more reason, among many, to read small presses!

If you’re looking for more essay recommendations, check out our list of 100 must-read essay collections and these 25 great essays you can read online for free .

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How to Write Song Lyrics in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a compelling essay involves a variety of skills, and incorporating song lyrics can add a unique dimension to your writing. Whether you want to analyze the lyrics, use them as evidence, or simply showcase your appreciation for a song, it's essential to do it correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of incorporating song lyrics into your essay effectively, you can read more here - https://www.elyrics.net/blog/how-to-write-song-lyrics-in-an-essay.html .

Why Use Song Lyrics in Your Essay

Before we delve into the how-to's, let's explore why using song lyrics in your essay can be impactful. Song lyrics often convey emotions, themes, and messages that resonate with your essay's topic, making them a powerful tool for engagement. Here are a few reasons why you might want to include song lyrics:

Emotional Connection: Lyrics can evoke strong emotions and help your readers connect with your essay on a deeper level. Illustration: Song lyrics can serve as vivid illustrations or examples that support your arguments. Cultural Relevance: Certain songs or lyrics may be culturally significant, adding relevance to your essay.

How to Incorporate Lyrics into Your Essay

Now that you understand the why, let's get into the how. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to seamlessly integrate song lyrics into your essay.

1. Understand Copyright and Fair Use

Before using song lyrics, it's crucial to grasp copyright laws. Familiarize yourself with fair use guidelines and ensure you're following legal standards.

2. Choose Relevant Lyrics

Select lyrics that directly relate to your essay's theme or argument. Ensure they enhance your point rather than distract from it.

3. Format Correctly

When including lyrics, use quotation marks and follow a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA or APA). Include the song title, artist, album, and publication year.

4. Provide Context

Introduce the lyrics and explain their significance to your essay. Analyze how they contribute to your argument or theme.

5. Analyze and Interpret

After quoting the lyrics, analyze and interpret them. Explain how they support your essay's thesis or add depth to your discussion.

6. Cite Properly

In your references or bibliography section, provide a full citation for the song, following the chosen citation style.

Dos and Don'ts

Now that you know how to incorporate lyrics, let's go over some dos and don'ts to ensure you use them effectively.

Use lyrics that directly relate to your essay's topic.
Cite the lyrics accurately, including song title, artist, album, and publication year.
Provide context and explain the lyrics' relevance.
Overuse lyrics; use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your essay.
Forget to analyze and interpret the lyrics; don't let them stand alone without explanation.
Neglect proper citation and copyright considerations.

Let's address some frequently asked questions about using song lyrics in your essay.

1. Can I use any song lyrics in my essay?

While you can use song lyrics, ensure they are relevant to your topic and comply with copyright laws.

2. How do I format song lyrics in my essay?

Format lyrics with quotation marks and provide a proper citation with song title, artist, album, and publication year.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating song lyrics into your essay can enhance its impact and engage your readers. When done correctly and ethically, lyrics add depth and emotion to your writing. Remember to follow copyright laws, choose lyrics wisely, and provide context and analysis to make your essay truly sing.

Now, armed with this comprehensive guide, you're ready to infuse your essays with the power of song lyrics. Happy writing!

Useful Resources: https://www.thestudypath.com/class-10/extra-questions/english/first-flight/chapter-4-from-the-diary-of-anne-frank/

Research and Reports

How do I format a quotation of song lyrics?

Format a quotation of song lyrics the same way you would format a quotation of poetry. If the quotation consists of fewer than four lines, run it into the text, placing quotation marks around the lines and separating the lines from each other with a forward slash with a space on either side of it.

Bob Dylan famously sang that “[t]he answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind / The answer is blowin’ in the wind.” Work Cited Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Bob Dylan , 2018, www.bobdylan.com/songs/blowin-wind/.

If the quotation consists of four or more lines, set the quoted lines apart from the text as an extract.

In “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Bob Dylan asks: How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? Yes, ’n’ how many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand?

Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Bob Dylan , 2018, www.bobdylan.com/songs/blowin-wind/.

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How to cite a song in MLA

How to Cite a Song in MLA | Format & Examples

Published on December 3, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 5, 2024.

The format for citing a song in MLA depends on the medium in which you listened to it.

To cite a song accessed through an online streaming service, list the performer (or group) as author, the song title in quotation marks, the name of the site in italics, and the URL where the song can be found. Omit “the” from a band name, e.g. “Beatles,” not “the Beatles.”

If relevant, use a timestamp to indicate a specific part of the song in the in-text citation.

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Citing songs in physical formats, quoting lyrics, optional details to include in an mla song citation, frequently asked questions about mla citations.

To cite a song you accessed in a physical format (e.g. CD, vinyl), include details about the album (or single, EP, etc.) it appears on: the title, distributor, year, and, optionally, the format (e.g. “CD”).

This format also applies to songs you downloaded and accessed through a media player (e.g. iTunes).

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Quote lyrics from a song in a similar format to poetry : separate lines with a slash symbol, and format four or more lines quoted at once as a block quote .

If you’re quoting these lyrics from a transcript included alongside the song (e.g. in the description on YouTube, in the accompanying booklet to a CD), then you should clarify this at the end of the Works Cited entry.

MLA’s citation style is flexible; some details are not mandatory in a song citation but can be included when relevant.

For example, if your discussion focuses on the work of a particular musician, you can list them in the author position instead of the main artist, along with a description of their role. The main artist should still be listed later in the contributor slot.

Especially with classical music, it may be more relevant to cite the composer rather than the performer in the author position. You can then list the particular performer(s) and/or conductor after the title. If the particular performance is irrelevant, you might omit this information entirely.

When citing a song in MLA style , the author is usually the main artist or group that released the song.

However, if your discussion focuses on the contributions of a specific performer, e.g. a guitarist or singer, you may list them as author, even if they are not the main artist. If you’re discussing the lyrics or composition, you may cite the songwriter or composer rather than a performer.

In an MLA song citation , you need to give some sort of container to indicate how you accessed the song. If this is a physical or downloaded album, the Works Cited entry should list the album name, distributor, year, and format.

However, if you listened to the song on a streaming service, you can just list the site as a container, including a URL. In this case, including the album details is optional; you may add this information if it is relevant to your discussion or if it will help the reader access the song.

If a source has no author, start the MLA Works Cited entry with the source title . Use a shortened version of the title in your MLA in-text citation .

If a source has no page numbers, you can use an alternative locator (e.g. a chapter number, or a timestamp for a video or audio source) to identify the relevant passage in your in-text citation. If the source has no numbered divisions, cite only the author’s name (or the title).

If you already named the author or title in your sentence, and there is no locator available, you don’t need a parenthetical citation:

Rajaram argues that representations of migration are shaped by “cultural, political, and ideological interests.”
The homepage of The Correspondent describes it as “a movement for radically different news.”

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Lyric Essays

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

These resources discuss some terms and techniques that are useful to the beginning and intermediate creative nonfiction writer, and to instructors who are teaching creative nonfiction at these levels. The distinction between beginning and intermediate writing is provided for both students and instructors, and numerous sources are listed for more information about creative nonfiction tools and how to use them. A sample assignment sheet is also provided for instructors.

Because the lyric essay is a new, hybrid form that combines poetry with essay, this form should be taught only at the intermediate to advanced levels. Even professional essayists aren’t certain about what constitutes a lyric essay, and lyric essays disagree about what makes up the form. For example, some of the “lyric essays” in magazines like The Seneca Review have been selected for the Best American Poetry series, even though the “poems” were initially published as lyric essays.

A good way to teach the lyric essay is in conjunction with poetry (see the Purdue OWL's resource on teaching Poetry in Writing Courses ). After students learn the basics of poetry, they may be prepared to learn the lyric essay. Lyric essays are generally shorter than other essay forms, and focus more on language itself, rather than storyline. Contemporary author Sherman Alexie has written lyric essays, and to provide an example of this form, we provide an excerpt from his Captivity :

"He (my captor) gave me a biscuit, which I put in my

pocket, and not daring to eat it, buried it under a log, fear-

ing he had put something in it to make me love him.

FROM THE NARRATIVE OF MRS. MARY ROWLANDSON,

WHO WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE WHEN THE WAMPANOAG

DESTROYED LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETS, IN 1676"

"I remember your name, Mary Rowlandson. I think of you now, how necessary you have become. Can you hear me, telling this story within uneasy boundaries, changing you into a woman leaning against a wall beneath a HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY sign, arrow pointing down directly at you? Nothing changes, neither of us knows exactly where to stand and measure the beginning of our lives. Was it 1676 or 1976 or 1776 or yesterday when the Indian held you tight in his dark arms and promised you nothing but the sound of his voice?"

Alexie provides no straightforward narrative here, as in a personal essay; in fact, each numbered section is only loosely related to the others. Alexie doesn’t look into his past, as memoirists do. Rather, his lyric essay is a response to a quote he found, and which he uses as an epigraph to his essay.

Though the narrator’s voice seems to be speaking from the present, and addressing a woman who lived centuries ago, we can’t be certain that the narrator’s voice is Alexie’s voice. Is Alexie creating a narrator or persona to ask these questions? The concept and the way it’s delivered is similar to poetry. Poets often use epigraphs to write poems. The difference is that Alexie uses prose language to explore what this epigraph means to him.

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How to Write In-Text Citations for Music Lyrics

Learning to add in-text citations for music lyrics to an essay is important if you need to reference a particular lyric in your work. Many different referencing formats exist, including MLA, APA and Harvard, and each of these requires both a parenthetical citation and an entry in a reference list. The parenthetical citation is otherwise referred to as an "in-text" citation, and its primary function is to enable the reader to find the relevant entry in the reference list. Generally, the year the song was written (or the year an album was recorded) and the author’s surname are all that are required.

Find the name of the lyrics' author. If the lyrics are listed on the music CD, the author will usually appear above the lyrics. If not, the information can always be found with the copyright information, often toward the back of the booklet.

Locate the date of the writing or recording of the song. Essentially, you are looking for the date listed as the copyright date for the particular track. Look on the back of the CD case to find the release date of the album. Compare this information with the copyright information listed in the booklet of the CD to ensure that they match. If the particular song from which you are quoting the lyrics has an earlier date attached, use that date.

Write the author of the lyrics’ name in parentheses just prior to the quotation. In MLA format referencing, this is all that is required. For example, you could write “In the lyrics to ‘Imagine’ (Lennon), it states that…” if you were quoting the lyrics to “Imagine” by John Lennon.

Add the copyright date for the song you are referencing if you are using APA or Harvard format referencing. These systems use the “author-date” system of parenthetical citation, so after the author’s name, add a comma and then include the date. For example, you could write “The lyrics to ‘Teachers’ (Cohen, 1967) include the line …” if you were quoting “Teachers” by Leonard Cohen.

Use the author’s name in the main body of the text followed by the date in parentheses, if it is better for the essay’s readability. Using the example above, you could alternatively write “In ‘Teachers,’ Cohen (1967) states that he …” to cite the same work. Write any lyric in the same way as you would write poetry.

Need help with a citation? Try our citation generator .

Williams College: APA Citation Style Guide, 6th ed.
University of Sydney: Your Guide To Harvard Style Referencing

Lee Johnson has written for various publications and websites since 2005, covering science, music and a wide range of topics. He studies physics at the Open University, with a particular interest in quantum physics and cosmology. He's based in the UK and drinks too much tea.

Home / Blog / Mastering the Art of How to Quote a Song in an Essay

Mastering the Art of How to Quote a Song in an Essay

Jennifer Livingstone

Introduction

In the realm of academic writing, the ability to effectively how to quote a song in an essay plays a pivotal role in enriching your text, offering depth and a unique perspective to your argument. Whether it’s how to quote a song lyric in an essay to underscore a point, evoke an emotional response, or how to quote a song title in an essay to reference cultural context, the integration of musical elements can significantly enhance the reader’s engagement with your work. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing a clear set of guidelines for accurately citing songs within your essays. From the nuances of incorporating lyrics to the technicalities of referencing song titles, understanding these principles ensures that your academic writing not only adheres to the highest standards of scholarly integrity but also captures the essence of the musical pieces that influence and inspire your thoughts.

Understanding the Purpose of Quoting a Song

Quoting a song in an academic essay serves several key purposes, each enhancing the depth and breadth of your analysis. Learning how to quote a song in an essay allows you to bolster your arguments or themes with the emotional power or cultural resonance of music. When you master how to quote a song lyric in an essay, you tap into a rich vein of emotional and intellectual material, providing vivid evidence or illustrative examples that support your claims in a uniquely compelling way. Furthermore, understanding how to quote a song title in an essay goes beyond mere citation; it invites readers to consider the cultural or historical significance of the song, connecting your work to broader dialogues within society. This approach not only enriches your essay but also positions your arguments within a larger cultural and historical context, demonstrating the multifaceted impact of music on human experience.

Preparing to Quote a Song

Before incorporating a musical piece into your essay, it’s imperative to navigate the intricacies of how to quote a song in an essay with precision. The initial step involves meticulously identifying the relevant portion of the song that aligns with your discussion or argument. This selection process is critical as it ensures that the excerpt directly contributes to reinforcing your thesis or enriching your analysis.

Contextualizing the song for your audience is another vital aspect. When deliberating on how to quote a song lyric in an essay, providing background about the song or artist can offer valuable insight into its intended message or cultural impact, making your argument more persuasive. This context helps bridge any gaps between the reader’s knowledge and the significance of the lyrics within your essay’s framework.

Furthermore, the adherence to formatting guidelines, such as how to quote a song in an essay MLA, underscores the importance of academic integrity while lending credibility to your work. Whether you’re quoting a song lyric or citing its title, following the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines ensures that your citations are properly structured and recognized.

Ultimately, ensuring that each quote supports your essay’s thesis or main idea is paramount. This careful integration of how to quote song lyrics in an essay not only enhances your argumentation but also enriches the reader’s understanding, making your essay a more compelling and informative read.

Guidelines for Quoting a Song

When incorporating music into your writing, understanding how to quote a song in an essay MLA format is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. Begin by italicizing song titles and capitalizing the initial letters of each word. Artist names should be presented in their standard form. For in-text citations, include the artist’s last name and the song title in parentheses. For instance: (Bowie, “Space Oddity”).

In the Works Cited page, the entry should list the artist’s name, the title of the song in italics, the album name as the container, followed by publication details and the format. An example would look like: Bowie, David. “Space Oddity.” David Bowie, 1969, CD.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures that how to quote a song in an essay aligns with MLA standards, providing a clear and concise method for referencing songs in your scholarly work.

In APA format, quoting a song involves specific guidelines that ensure clarity and consistency across academic writing. When addressing how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay using APA style, start by presenting song titles in sentence case, using quotation marks. Artist names should be written in full, without alterations.

For in-text citations, include the artist’s last name and the year of the song’s release in parentheses, for example: (Dylan, 1963). If quoting lyrics, also include a timestamp to indicate the exact part of the song, like (Dylan, 1963, 1:15).

In the References list, the entry should format as follows: Artist’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Song title [Song]. On Album Title. Publisher. For example: Dylan, B. (1963). Blowin’ in the Wind [Song]. On The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Columbia.

Adhering to these APA guidelines ensures your citations are properly formatted, offering a clear reference for readers to follow when you quote a song or its lyrics in an essay.

Chicago Style

When employing Chicago style in your essay, the approach to how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay integrates a nuanced citation method. Song titles should be quoted, with artist names presented in their full form without alterations.

For footnote or endnote citations, you format them by including the artist’s name, song title in quotation marks, album name in italics, year of release, and format type. An example would look like: 1. Artist Name, “Song Title,” Album Name, Year, Format.

In the bibliography, the entry should be arranged as follows: Artist’s Last Name, First Name. “Song Title.” Album Name. Year. Format. For instance: Dylan, Bob. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. 1963. CD.

This Chicago style formatting ensures that quoting a song or its lyrics in your essay is clear, precise, and adheres to academic standards, providing a structured way for readers to locate the original source material.

Incorporating Song Quotes in Your Essay

Incorporating song quotes into your essay requires a seamless approach to ensure the text flows naturally. When how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote a song lyric in an essay, using signal phrases such as “According to [Artist Name]” or “[Artist Name] sings” can smoothly introduce the quote into your narrative. This method not only credits the original artist but also prepares the reader for the integration of external content.

After presenting the quote, it’s crucial to delve into its significance within your analysis. Discuss how the lyrics or the title enhance your argument, contribute to thematic development, or illuminate the subject matter from a unique perspective. This step is vital in demonstrating the relevance of the song quote to your essay’s broader discussion, thereby enriching the reader’s understanding and engagement with your work.

By thoughtfully integrating song quotes and articulating their importance, you bridge the gap between musical expression and academic analysis, offering a richer, more textured exploration of your essay’s themes.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Navigating the legal and ethical landscape is paramount when how to quote a song in an essay or how to quote song lyrics in an essay. Understanding copyright laws is crucial to ensure that your use of song lyrics respects the intellectual property rights of artists and songwriters. When considering how to quote a song lyric in an essay or how to quote lyrics from a song in an essay, it’s important to adhere to the principles of fair use. This doctrine allows for the use of copyrighted material under certain conditions, such as for commentary, criticism, or educational purposes.

Best practices include quoting only the necessary amount of lyrics to support your argument or analysis and always providing appropriate attribution to the original artist. Furthermore, when quoting song lyrics or titles, ensure your usage falls within the guidelines of fair use by contributing original commentary or analysis that transforms the original work in a meaningful way.

By adhering to these legal and ethical considerations, you can ethically incorporate song quotes into your academic writing, enriching your essays while respecting the rights of creators.

In conclusion, mastering how to quote a song in an essay, how to quote a song lyric in an essay, how to quote song lyrics in an essay, and how to quote lyrics from a song in an essay is a valuable skill that enhances your academic writing. We’ve explored the importance of selecting relevant song portions, properly formatting citations across different styles, and the significance of integrating these quotes smoothly into your analysis. Remember, quoting songs not only enriches your essays by providing a diverse range of expressions and cultural references but also deepens the exploration of your topic.

I encourage you to utilize song quotes thoughtfully within your essays. This approach not only demonstrates your ability to engage with a variety of sources but also invites a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate ways in which music and text can intersect to reveal profound insights. Let the power of music amplify the impact of your words , and may your essays resonate with the richness and depth that song quotes can provide.

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Writing From the Margins: On the Origins and Development of the Lyric Essay

Zoë bossiere and erica trabold consider essay writing as resistance.

Once, the lyric essay did not have a name.

Or, it was called by many names. More a quality of writing than a category, the form lived for centuries in the private zuihitsu journals of Japanese court ladies, the melodic folktales told by marketplace troubadours, and the subversive prose poems penned by the European romantics.

Before I came to lyric essays, I came to writing. When my teacher asked the class to write a story for homework , I couldn’t believe my luck. But in response to my first attempt, she wrote in the margins: this is cliché .

As a first-generation college student, I was afraid I didn’t know how to tell a story properly, that my mind didn’t work that way. That I didn’t belong in a college classroom, wasn’t a real writer.

And yet, language pulled me. Alone in my dorm room, I arranged and rearranged words, whispered them aloud until the cadences pleased me, their smooth sounds like prayers. I had no name for what I was writing then, but it felt like a style I could call my own.

While the origins of the lyric essay predate its naming, the most well-known attempt to categorize the form came in 1997, when writers John D’Agata and Deborah Tall, coeditors of Seneca Review , noticed a “new” genre in the submission queue—not quite poetry, but neither quite narrative.

This form-between-forms seemed to ignore the conventions of prose writing—such as a linear chronology, narrative, and plot—in favor of embracing more liminal styles, moving by association rather than story, dancing around unspoken truths, devolving into a swirling series of digressions.

D’Agata and Tall’s proposed term for this kind of writing, “the lyric essay,” stuck, and in the ensuing decade the word would be adopted by many essayists to describe the kind of writing they do.

As a genderfluid writer and as a writing teacher, I’ve always appreciated the lyric essay as a literary beacon amid turbulent narrative waves. A means to cast light on negative space, to illuminate subjects that defy the conventions of traditional essay writing.

Introducing this writing style to students is among my favorite course units. Semester after semester, the students most drawn to the lyric essay tend to be those who enter the classroom from the margins, whose perspectives are least likely to be included on course reading lists.

Since its naming, the lyric essay has existed in an almost paradoxical space, at once celebrated for its unique characteristics while also relegated to the margins of creative nonfiction. Perhaps because of this contradiction, much of the conversation about the lyric essay—the definition of what it is and does, where it fits on the spectrum of nonfiction and poetry, whether it has a place in literary journals and in the creative writing classroom—remains unsettled, extending into the present.

I thought getting accepted into a graduate program meant I had finally opened the gilded, solid oak doors of academia—a place no one in my family, not a parent, an aunt or uncle, a sibling or cousin, had ever seen the other side of.

But at my cohort’s first meeting in a state a thousand miles from home, I understood I was still on the outside of something.

“Are you sure you write lyric essays?” the other writers asked. “What does that even mean?”

The acceptance of the lyric form seems to depend largely on who is writing it. The essays that tend to thrive in dominant-culture spaces like academia and publishing are often written by writers who already occupy those spaces. This may be part of why, despite its expansive nature, many of the most widely-anthologized, widely-read, and widely-taught lyric essays represent a narrow range of perspectives: most often, those of the center.

To name the lyric essay—to name anything—is to construct rules about what an essay called “lyric” should look like on the page, should examine in its prose, even who it should be written by. But this categorization has its uses, too.

Much like when a person openly identifies as queer , identifying an essayistic style as “lyric” provides a blueprint for others on the margins to name their experiences—a form through which to speak their truths.

The center is, by definition, a limited perspective, capable of viewing only itself.

In “Marginality as a Site of Resistance,” bell hooks positions the margins not as a state “one wishes to lose, to give up, or surrender as part of moving into the center, but rather as a site one stays on, clings to even, because it nourishes one’s capacity to resist.”

To write from the margins is to write from the perspective of the whole—to see the world from both the margins and the center.

I graduated with a manuscript of lyric essays, one that coalesced into my first book. That book went on to win a prize judged by John D’Agata and named for Deborah Tall. I had finally found my footing, unlocked that proverbial door. But skepticism followed me in.

On my book tour, I was invited to read at my alma mater alongside another writer whose nonfiction tackled pressing social issues with urgency, empathy, and wit. I read an essay about home and friendship, about being young and the hard lessons of growing up.

After the reading, we fielded a Q&A. The Dean of my former college raised his hand.

“I can see what work the other writer is doing quite clearly,” he said to me. “But what exactly is the point of yours?”

Writing is never a neutral act. Although a rallying slogan from a different era and cause, the maxim “the personal is political” still applies to the important work writers do when they speak truth to power, call attention to injustice, and advocate for social change.

Because the lyric essay is fluid, able to occupy both marginal and center spaces, it is a form uniquely suited to telling stories on the writer’s terms, without losing sight of where the writer comes from, and the audiences they are writing toward.

When we tell the stories of our lives—especially when those stories challenge assumptions about who we are—it is an act of resistance.

Many of the contemporary LGBTQIA+ essayists I teach in my classes write lyrical prose to capture queer experience on the page. Their works reckon with nonbinary family building and parenthood, the ghosts of trans Midwestern origin, coming of age in a queer Black body, the over- whelming epidemic of transmisogyny and gendered violence.

The lyric essay is an ideal container for these stories, each a unique prism reflecting the ambiguous, messy, and ever-evolving processes through which we as queer people come to understand ourselves.

Lyric essays rarely stop to provide directions, instead mapping the reader on a journey into the writer’s world, toward an unknown end. Along the way, the reader learns to interpret the signs, begins to understand that the road blocks and potholes and detours—those gaps, the words left unspoken on the page—are as important as the essay’s destination.

The lyric essays that have taught me the most as a writer never showed their full hand. Each became its own puzzle, with secrets to unlock. When the text on a page was obscured, the essay taught me to fill in the blanks. When the conflict didn’t resolve, I realized irresolution might be its truest end. When the segments of the essay seemed unconnected, I learned to read between the lines.

The most powerful lyric essays reclaim silence from the silencers, becoming a space of agency for writers whose experiences are routinely questioned, flattened, or appropriated.

Readers from the margins, those who have themselves been silenced, recognize the game.

The twenty contemporary lyric essays in this volume embody resistance through content, style, design, and form, representing of a broad spectrum of experiences that illustrate how identities can intersect, conflict, and even resist one another. Together, they provide a dynamic example of the lyric essay’s range of expression while showcasing some of the most visionary contemporary essayists writing in the form today.

__________________________________

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How to Quote Song Lyrics in an Essay

When writing an essay that involves discussing or analyzing song lyrics, it is important to properly quote and cite the lyrics in order to give credit to the original artist and avoid plagiarism. However, quoting song lyrics can be a bit tricky, as there are specific guidelines that need to be followed. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary information to properly quote song lyrics in your essay.

1. Use quotation marks: When quoting song lyrics, it is important to enclose the lyrics in quotation marks. This helps to clearly indicate that the words being used are not your own, but rather are from a song. For example, “I believe I can fly” is a line from the song “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly.

2. Include the artist’s name and song title: In addition to using quotation marks, it is also important to include the name of the artist and the title of the song. This provides proper attribution and allows readers to easily locate the song if they are interested. For example, “I believe I can fly” (R. Kelly, “I Believe I Can Fly”).

3. Use the correct formatting: When including song lyrics in your essay, it is important to use the correct formatting. Generally, this means using a blockquote format, where the lyrics are indented and in a separate paragraph from the rest of the essay. This helps to visually differentiate the lyrics from the rest of the text and makes them stand out to the reader.

In conclusion, properly quoting song lyrics in an essay is an important skill to master. By following these guidelines – using quotation marks, including the artist’s name and song title, and using the correct formatting – you can ensure that you are giving credit where it is due and avoiding plagiarism. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so take the time to properly quote and cite song lyrics in your essay.

Table of Contents

Why is it important to quote song lyrics properly?

Properly quoting song lyrics in an essay is important for several reasons. Here are some key reasons why it is essential to quote song lyrics properly:

Respecting copyright laws: When using song lyrics in your essay, it is crucial to respect copyright laws. By properly quoting the lyrics, you acknowledge and give credit to the original artist and songwriter, ensuring that their work is protected.
Avoiding plagiarism: Quoting song lyrics properly helps you avoid plagiarism. By accurately citing the lyrics, you demonstrate that you are using someone else’s work with permission, preventing any accusations of plagiarism.
Maintaining academic integrity: Properly quoting song lyrics demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity. It shows that you have done your research, properly attributed the lyrics, and are using them as evidence to support your arguments or analysis.
Providing context: When you quote song lyrics properly, it allows readers to understand the context of your analysis. By providing the exact words of the lyrics, you ensure that your interpretation and analysis are accurate and not lost in translation.
Enhancing credibility: Quoting song lyrics properly adds credibility to your essay. It shows that you have taken the time to engage with the material, understand the lyrics, and provide accurate references to support your ideas.

Overall, by quoting song lyrics properly, you demonstrate your respect for the original artist, copyright laws, and academic integrity. It allows you to effectively incorporate lyrics into your essay while maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism.

Understanding copyright laws and fair use

When quoting song lyrics in an essay, it is important to understand the copyright laws and fair use guidelines to ensure that you are not infringing on the rights of the song’s copyright owner. Copyright laws exist to protect the original work of creators, including songwriters and musicians, and it is crucial to respect their intellectual property.

What is copyright?

Copyright is a legal protection that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights over its use and distribution. This includes music, lyrics, and other artistic creations. Copyright laws give the creator the power to control how their work is used and allows them to profit from its use.

How does fair use come into play?

Fair use is a legal principle that allows certain uses of copyrighted material without the need for permission from the copyright owner. This principle is based on the concept that limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, teaching, or research should be allowed, as long as it does not interfere with the original creator’s rights or undermine their ability to profit from their work. Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on several factors, including the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the potential market for the original work.

Quoting song lyrics under fair use:

When quoting song lyrics in an essay, it is generally considered fair use if the lyrics are used for educational or critical purposes, and the quoted lyrics are reasonably necessary for your argument or analysis. It is important to limit the amount of lyrics you quote and provide proper attribution to the songwriter and copyright owner. Additionally, using the lyrics in a transformative manner, such as providing analysis or commentary, can strengthen your argument for fair use.

Obtaining permission:

In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the copyright owner to quote song lyrics, especially if the use does not fall within fair use guidelines. Contacting the copyright owner or their representatives, such as the music publisher or record label, is the appropriate step to take to seek permission for using song lyrics in your essay.

Conclusion:

Understanding copyright laws and fair use is crucial when quoting song lyrics in an essay. It is important to respect the rights of the copyright owner and abide by fair use guidelines. By quoting lyrics responsibly and providing proper attribution, you can ensure that your essay remains within legal boundaries while adding depth and support to your analysis.

How to Format Song Lyrics in an Essay

When writing an essay that includes song lyrics, it is important to properly format and cite the lyrics to ensure accuracy and avoid plagiarism. Here are some guidelines to help you format song lyrics in your essay:

Quotation marks: Enclose the song lyrics in double quotation marks. For example: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day.”
Line breaks: Indicate line breaks in the lyrics by using a forward slash (/). For example: “I will always love you / And I hope you feel the same.”
Italicize: Italicize the song title or album title to distinguish it from the rest of the text. For example: The song “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is a classic.
Capitalization: Follow the capitalization used in the original song lyrics. If the lyrics already use title case, maintain it in your essay. However, if the lyrics are in all caps, use standard capitalization rules. For example: “I will survive” vs. “I WILL SURVIVE.”
Punctuation: Retain the punctuation used in the original lyrics, including any ellipses or exclamation points. For example: “I can’t get no satisfaction…”
Attribution: Provide the artist’s name after the lyrics to give credit. You can include it in parentheses or as part of the sentence. For example: “I’ve got a feeling (by The Beatles)…
Citing: If you are using lyrics from a published song, make sure to cite the source properly. Include the songwriter, song title, album name (if applicable), and release year. For example: “(Lennon & McCartney, “Hey Jude,” The Beatles, 1968)”.
Indention: If quoting a longer section of song lyrics, consider indenting the lyrics and double-spacing the text to separate it from the rest of the essay. This can provide visual clarity and make it easier for the reader to distinguish between your thoughts and the lyrics.
Consistency: As with any formatting style, consistency is key. Use the same formatting and citation style throughout your essay to maintain coherence and professionalism.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate song lyrics into your essay while maintaining accuracy and adhering to proper citation practices.

When and how to use block quotes for song lyrics

When quoting song lyrics in an essay, block quotes can be used in certain situations to emphasize the lyrics and provide a visual break from the rest of the text. Block quotes are typically used when the lyrics you are quoting are longer than four lines. Here’s how to properly use block quotes for song lyrics:

Begin the block quote on a new line, without using quotation marks.
Indent the entire block quote by half an inch from the left margin.
Use double spacing throughout the block quote, with no additional spacing before or after it.
Include the song title in italics at the beginning of the block quote, followed by the artist’s name and the album name in parentheses.
If the lyrics contain a section break or a change in stanza, indicate it with a blank line between the sections.
Do not include any additional punctuation within the block quote, unless it is part of the original lyrics.

Here’s an example of a properly formatted block quote for song lyrics:

Remember, block quotes for song lyrics are only necessary when the lyrics are longer than four lines. For shorter quotes, you can simply use quotation marks within your regular text formatting.

Citing song lyrics from different sources

When citing song lyrics from different sources, it’s important to follow the proper format and provide accurate information to give credit to the original artist and songwriter. Here are some guidelines to help you cite song lyrics from various sources:

Official song lyrics websites: If you are citing song lyrics from an official song lyrics website like Genius or AZLyrics, you can simply include the website’s name and link in your citation. For example:
“Yesterday” by The Beatles lyrics. Retrieved from https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/beatles/yesterday.html
Album liner notes: If you are citing song lyrics from the liner notes of an album, provide the name of the album, the songwriter’s name, and the year of release. For example:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. From the album “A Night at the Opera” (1975)
Streaming platforms: If you are citing song lyrics from a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music, include the name of the song, the artist’s name, and the streaming platform’s name or URL. For example:
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran. Retrieved from Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7qiZfU4dY1lWllzX7mPBI3
Social media posts: If you are citing song lyrics from a social media post, include the username of the person who posted the lyrics, the song’s title, the artist’s name, and the date of the post. For example:
@johnsmith: “I’m a believer” by The Monkees – February 20, 2022
Personal interviews or live performances: If you are citing song lyrics from a personal interview or live performance, provide the name of the person interviewed or performing, the song’s title, and the date of the interview or performance. For example:
John Lennon (personal interview): “Imagine” – June 6, 1971

Remember to always double-check the accuracy of the song lyrics and the source information before including them in your essay. Properly citing song lyrics not only gives credit to the original artists and songwriters but also enhances the credibility and integrity of your own work.

Examples of properly quoted song lyrics

These examples demonstrate the correct way to quote song lyrics in an essay. When quoting lyrics, it’s important to include the song title in quotation marks, the artist’s name, and the specific lyric being quoted. Additionally, lyrics should be formatted as a separate paragraph or shown as indented text to clearly distinguish them from the rest of the essay. It is also recommended to cite the source of the lyrics, such as the album or the year of release.

Question and answer:

What is the purpose of quoting song lyrics in an essay.

Quoting song lyrics in an essay serves several purposes. It can provide evidence to support an argument, enhance the overall writing style, and add depth and emotional resonance to the essay.

Do I need to get permission to quote song lyrics in my essay?

The need for permission to quote song lyrics in an essay depends on the context and purpose of the essay. If the essay is for educational or personal use, quoting a few lines is generally considered fair use. However, if the essay is for commercial use or public distribution, it is best to obtain permission from the copyright holder.

How do I properly format song lyrics in my essay?

To properly format song lyrics in an essay, you should enclose them in quotation marks and provide the artist’s name, song title, and album or source. For example, “I want to hold your hand” (The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” 1963).

How much of a song can I quote in my essay?

The amount of a song you can quote in your essay depends on the purpose and length of your essay. It is generally best to only quote a few lines or phrases that are directly relevant to your argument or analysis. Remember to always give credit to the artist and provide proper citation.

Can I paraphrase song lyrics instead of quoting them in my essay?

Yes, you can paraphrase song lyrics instead of quoting them in your essay. Paraphrasing involves rewording the lyrics in your own words while still conveying the same meaning. However, it is important to still give credit to the artist and provide proper citation when paraphrasing.

How to write a good essay: Paraphrasing the question

How to Write an Essay: 4 Minute Step-by-step Guide | Scribbr 🎓

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
Expository Essay Introduction Example

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:

Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.
Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2

Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.
Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:

Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.
Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.
Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.
Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education:

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation.

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education).

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”
Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.
Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:

Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”
Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.
Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”
Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:

Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”
State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.
Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”

Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.
Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.
Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.
Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.
Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3

Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.
Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.
Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.
Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.
Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.

References

Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills .
West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617.
Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing?

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ExpertWriting : Cheap & Quick Service

ExpertWriting is another affordable yet professional service where you can buy essays online. Students like it for fast delivery, which helps them meet urgent deadlines. If your assignment is not longer than three pages, you can get it in three hours.

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WriteMyPapers provides good value for affordable prices. Undergraduate students purchase an essay or a research paper for just $11.99 per page, while those who are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree have to pay $16 per page. If you are studying in a Master’s program, the cost of an essay will be $19 for you.

SpeedyPaper : Cheap and Professional

SpeedyPaper is another top-quality essay writing service where you can get academic papers for money. Both high-school learners and college students turn to this company for academic help. Customer satisfaction is their top priority, so you can not only buy essay cheap here, but also get an excellent customer experience.

The company gives a money-back guarantee, so you will receive a full refund if the work doesn’t meet your expectations. The rates at SpeedyPaper are pretty fair. They start at $9 per page for high-school-level writing. Academic writing for college and university students is a bit more expensive. It costs $11 per page.

What is the best academic writing website to buy essays?

There are at least a dozen popular websites where you can order essay online. Yet, if we had to pick just one, we would say that PaperHelp is the best website where you can buy college essay of any complexity. This website provides good value for money and delivers plagiarism-free papers that pass Turnitin originality checks every single time.

PaperHelp is one of the pioneers in the academic writing industry, continuously evolving and adapting to the market. Although it’s a professional writing site, it allows you to order essays online, written by human writers at affordable prices, ensuring its services won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

The urgency of your order is the biggest factor that influences the price, so last-minute papers usually cost more. For this reason, we recommend you place your orders in advance to save money. If you’re new to PaperHelp and you want to buy essay online cheap, you can use the LWS10 code during checkout to get a 10% discount and a complimentary originality report with your order.

Can Turnitin detect essay papers bought online?

Yes, it is possible. However, this does not imply that bypassing Turnitin’s originality checks is unachievable. In fact, it can be done with relative ease. As you may be aware, Turnitin compares your college essay against a vast database of previously submitted papers. This database includes hundreds of thousands of college essays, research papers, and other academic materials.

Nonetheless, using a reputable essay writing service can effectively address this concern. A professional writer draws upon their own knowledge and creative insights to craft a plagiarism-free paper. They ensure that any use of external thoughts or ideas is properly cited, avoiding plagiarism.

Furthermore, Turnitin has a feature that compares your assignment to your previous works, potentially identifying differences in style and tone. However, this should not be a problem either. If you choose to buy essay papers online, be sure to provide your academic writer with with samples of your past writings. This enables them to mimic your writing style closely.

Is it safe to buy essays online?

Buying an essay on web platforms is absolutely safe as long as you stick to some important rules. First of all, you should always use anonymous profiles to protect your privacy. To ensure confidentiality, don’t provide any details about your educational institution, instructors, etc. In general, keep all your personal information secret.

It’s also important to stay away from public internet services because every time you use them, you leave digital footprints. As a result, you can be tracked down by hackers. So if you don’t want anybody to reveal your identity, you should hide your IP address.

It’s easy to do with the help of a VPN, which can be downloaded as an extension or software. This tool will mask your internet activities and prevent others from getting access to your data.

Before you decide to purchase a paper from a particular company, do proper research of the essay service you are going to use. Don’t turn to the first companies that pop up on your Google search until you check them. Obviously, it’s better to order an essay from a reputable site. Note that reliable agencies always have a lot of positive reviews on the web, so read as many comments as possible.

If you follow the recommendations given above, you shouldn’t worry about safety issues.

How much does it cost to buy an essay?

The prices for essay writing services vary significantly from one company to another. On average, a professional writer with an advanced degree and extensive experience charges between $10 and $30 per page. However, the rates depend on multiple factors. It’s possible to buy essay online for a lower price, but it’s better not to take the risk. The chances are that a cheap essay will be plagiarized or poorly written.

First of all, essay cost depends on task complexity. If you need to get a high school essay written, you will have to pay less than for a college or university essay. So the higher the academic level you have, the more you will pay for your order.

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Who will write my essay?

Some websites give you detailed information about their writers, allowing you to check the list of professionals at a particular company and pick one that meets your requirements. Pay special attention to the qualifications of your writer and their amount of experience.

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Credible companies typically hire skilled specialists with Master’s or Ph.D. degrees, who might be teachers, researchers, or even professors. It’s quite common because many academics enjoy writing and take it up as a part-time job. Imagine, your essay could be written by a world-renowned scientist without you even knowing it!

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On the other hand, non-native writers at essay services often have an excellent command of English. Before being hired, they must provide certificates proving their language skills, so you can be confident in their knowledge.”

How soon can I have my essay written?

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The optimal deadline for most services is 14 days. If you set such time limits, you can count on good work and moderate prices. The more time you give to writers, the less you’ll have to pay. If it’s possible to wait for three weeks, you can save a considerable amount of money.

Is it illegal to buy essays online?

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It’s also important to note that your essay must be plagiarism-free. Of course, submitting a plagiarized paper obtained from an unreliable company can lead to serious consequences. In some countries, you can even get expelled for such actions.

Make sure to read as many customer reviews as possible about the website you’re considering, especially if you’re buying a cheap paper. This is to find out if anyone has faced plagiarism issues with them. Then, you can make your informed choice.

Is it cheating to purchase essays online?

It depends on what you are going to do with the paper that you bought online. If you want to pass it off as your own, then yes, it’s cheating. Representing someone else’s work as your own is an act of academic dishonesty.

Most companies that students use to buy college essays online put disclaimers on their websites that discourage customers from submitting these papers as their own work. According to these disclaimers, any essay paper produced by the website should be used as a model paper for your own essay.

That is to say, if you purchase essay from one of these sites, you have to read it, learn from it, and then write your own essay in your own words.

Where can I buy an essay online?

Today, there are a lot of ways to buy an essay online. Some students go to special forums where they can find peers or experts who complete homework assignments for money. However, it does not always work because you can’t check the qualifications and knowledge of a particular person. Moreover, there are no guarantees that your work will be completed in the right way and on time. Hence, this strategy is quite risky.

The most popular way to buy essay online is by turning to a custom writing company. So-called essay writing services, like PaperHelp.org, provide professional help for students. They usually have a big staff of specialists with extensive experience in academic writing, so you can find an expert that completely meets your requirements and expectations. In addition, credible companies offer a money-back guarantee and unlimited revisions upon your request.

Advantages of Purchasing an Essay From a Reputable Company

It’s important to buy essays only from credible companies with a good reputation among students. First of all, they have a refund policy, which means that you can get your money back if the requirements you’ve set weren’t met by writers. Secondly, reputable companies allow customers to request a revision. If you find errors or think that your paper is generally weak, you can ask a writer to revise it for free.

No matter what questions about your assignment arise, you can always get answers to them via a phone call or chat. And most importantly, top-rated writing agencies always stick to your deadlines. Even if you need your essay to be written in three hours, academic experts will do it for you because there is nothing impossible for them.

Managing all homework independently can be daunting, given the typically packed schedules of students. The substantial workload at school compels many young individuals to seek assistance from essay writing services. Finding the best place to buy essays online is challenging, as the current market is replete with reputable academic writing companies fighting for your attention.

Each of these services has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be carefully considered before making a decision. Hopefully, this article helped you understand the strong points of the most popular writing platforms.

Article paid for by: Ocasio Media The news and editorial staffs of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.

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‘Practically Fasting for Months’: Gazans Struggle to Celebrate Ramadan

A time of religious devotion, dawn-to-dusk fasting and charity is instead a daily struggle for survival.

A Palestinian family in Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip prepared on Monday to break fast on the first day of Ramadan in the ruins of their family house. Credit... Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

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By Raja Abdulrahim , Bilal Shbair and Abu Bakr Bashir

Raja Abdulrahim reported from Jerusalem, Bilal Shbair from the Gaza Strip and Abu Bakr Bashir from London.

March 16, 2024

Every night during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the man would come along Rawoand Altatar’s street, banging on his drum and calling out to the faithful to wake them up for suhoor , the predawn meal. His nightly mission used to be lit up by Ramadan lamps and twinkling decorations.

But this Ramadan, Ms. Altatar’s street is eerie. The man, called a musahharati in Arabic, is absent. There are no decorations or electricity, and the street is surrounded by buildings destroyed or damaged in Israel’s bombardment. Their own home has been partially destroyed as well.

“There is no sense of Ramadan,” she said, referring to the month when Muslims fast all day. “We are missing our family and gatherings, the food, even the simplest thing like the sweet juices, the Ramadan decorations and lamps, which filled the streets,” said Ms. Altatar, a photographer who worked at a private school before the war.

Israel’s war in Gaza has transformed Ramadan, which began on Monday, from one of color and boisterous gatherings into one observed against a backdrop of gray rubble and dark, empty streets.

With no hoped-for cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the armed group that has controlled Gaza for years, a time of religious devotion, dawn-to-dusk fasting and charity is now a daily struggle for survival. For many Gazans, attempts to bring some cheer into the enclave are up against a mountain of despair.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s bombardment, according to Gazan health authorities, and the threat of famine looms as a result of Israel’s near-complete siege. The war, now in its sixth month, began after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 240 captives, according to Israeli officials.

Families, which once gathered over big feasts to mark the end of a day’s fast, have been separated and dispersed as most of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have fled their homes. Many now live in crowded tent encampments.

Many mosques where nightly Ramadan prayers were held have been bombed to rubble. Israel has accused Hamas of operating from some of Gaza’s mosques, a charge Hamas denies.

The most basic sustenance, like the dates and drinking water with which Muslims traditionally break their fast, are nearly absent.

Also missing is the happiness of children, especially when they come out in the streets after iftar — the breaking of the fast — with their Ramadan lamps and toys, she said.

“Now everyone is inside their homes even before the sun goes down, feeling afraid,” she said.

Ramadan this year also comes as many Gazans have lost everything and the enclave is nearing a famine, United Nations officials say . At least 27 Palestinian children have died from malnutrition, dehydration and lack of baby formula, Gazan health officials have said.

Human rights groups , U.N. experts and most recently the European Union ’s foreign policy chief have said that Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians. Israel has insisted throughout the war that it is committed to allowing as much aid into Gaza as possible and it has blamed delays on the U.N. staffing and logistics. Aid groups and U.N. officials have argued that it would be better for Israel to ease entry restrictions for trucks at established crossing points into the enclave and to do more to speed the delivery of goods inside Gaza.

People in Gaza are so hungry that some have resorted to eating leaves and animal feed.

“We’ve been practically fasting for months,” Ms. Altatar said. “Before Ramadan, we were eating two meals a day if we were able to find enough food. Otherwise, we would eat only once a day, at sundown.”

Almost no aid is reaching northern Gaza , where Ms. Altatar lives with her parents. U.N. agencies have largely stopped sending aid to the north, citing Israeli restrictions and security fears.

Many Muslims customarily try to read the entire Quran over the month of Ramadan and perform extra nightly prayers called taraweeh .

“In the north, people rarely gather to pray taraweeh in an open area because they are afraid of being hit by an airstrike,” she said. “Of course, there are almost no mosques left. They have all been bombed.”

Her days now are filled with gathering firewood, making fires and roaming markets trying to cobble together a meal her family can afford, she said.

As she walks, she dreams that one of the aid airdrops will come down near her.

In what seemed like cruel mocking for many Gazans, days before Ramadan began, a resident said Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets over parts of northern Gaza that read, “May your fast be accepted, your sins forgiven and iftar delicious.”

Asked about the leaflets, the Israeli military did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Despite the war and continued presence of Israeli ground forces, some Gazans have tried to imbue the holy month with as much festivity and religious observance as the conflict will allow.

“In northern Gaza, hunger and fear has taken over us,” Maher Habboush, a body builder in Gaza, said in a video on his Instagram account. The video showed dozens of children and adults cleaning the streets of one neighborhood and painting the walls pink, blue and yellow. “But we will greet the blessed month with happiness and optimism, because Ramadan is a blessing.”

In previous years, Gazans competed with each other when decorating their homes and streets. Now a Ramadan lantern, called a fanous and once ubiquitous throughout the streets and homes of Gaza, is a luxury few can afford.

“All day my little daughter is crying for a fanous,” said Nisreen Abu Tooq, 28, a mother of five who fled with her family from the north to a school in southern Gaza. “I can’t even afford to buy it. We can’t cheer up our little kids up with the simplest things.”

On Sunday, Ms. Abu Tooq said she was filled with sadness when she heard that the next day was Ramadan, because she had not expected the war to last this long.

“It’s a big difference to be in a place you don’t belong and far from your home with relatives, neighbors and friends,” she said.

Fadia Nassar, 43, wanted to buy Ramadan lanterns for her daughter, nieces and nephews, who are all sharing a room in a home with other displaced Gazans in the city of Deir al Balah, but the prices were out of reach.

She also thought that such decorative touches might seem insensitive to other children living in the house who had lost parents or other relatives.

She had just returned from the market and could not buy any supplies because of how expensive everything was. Instead, she said, they would rely on canned goods to break the fast, she said.

The markets were packed, but rather than the crowded and festive atmosphere of Ramadans past, when songs would blare through the streets, there was tension and a fear of lawlessness now, she said.

“There is no joy, no songs of Ramadan, no sweets of Ramadan,” she said. “This has all been exterminated.”

A local Gazan band, Sol Band, came out with a song for this Ramadan, including a short music video filmed in Gaza, that captured the grim holy month they were observing.

The video shows parents and children making decorations out of plastic bottles and construction paper and hanging them up on tents.

“There are no homes left in our neighborhood, and the homes have turned into tents,” the lyrics say. “Your crescent moon has appeared, Ramadan. What is the crescent of our joy?”

Raja Abdulrahim is a Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem covering the Levant. More about Raja Abdulrahim

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Russia and China vetoed a U.S. resolution at the U.N.Security Council that called for “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” as part of a deal in Gaza. The United States had vetoed three previous resolutions demanding a stop to fighting.

Since the start of the war, President Biden has tried to influence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel behind the scenes. As tension rises over what is next in the conflict, some say it is time for a different approach .

The Israeli military said that it had killed several people it described as terrorists during a raid at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, one of Israel’s longest and deadliest such operations since the start of the war.

A Power Vacuum: Since the start of the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has done little to address the power vacuum that would appear after Israeli forces leave Gaza. The risks of inaction are already apparent in Gaza City .

Chuck Schumer’s Speech: Speaking to the U.S. Senate, the majority leader and highest-ranking Jewish official in the United States branded Netanyahu a major impediment to peace. In an interview, he explained why he felt obligated to call for new leadership in Israel.

A Tough Balancing Act: Israel has been noticeably out of step with Western nations when it comes to relations with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. That approach reflects unique security needs that have gained new relevance since the start of the war in Gaza.

A Struggle for Life’s Basics: Most of Gaza’s population fled to the southern territory of Rafah , hoping to escape the war. As they hunt for food and shelter, a potential Israeli invasion has added to their fears.

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COMMENTS

How to Use Lyrics in Essay Writing
The way you should write citations for lyrics may vary. For example, when quoting lyrics in MLA style, you should provide the artist's name after the quote, in parentheses. When writing citations according to Harvard or APA format, you should also include the year and the number of the track on the album. When citing songs, you should always ...
The Lyric Essay: Examples and Writing Techniques
Emilia Phillips' lyric essay " Lodge " does exactly this, letting the story's form emphasize its language and the narrative Phillips writes about dreams, traveling, and childhood emotions. 2. Identify moments of metaphor and figurative language. The lyric essay is liberated from form, rather than constrained by it.
How to Include Song Lyrics in an Essay and Properly Quote Them
Song lyrics can add depth and meaning to an essay, whether you are analyzing a piece of music, exploring the themes of a song, or discussing the influence of a particular artist. However, it's important to properly quote song lyrics to give credit to the original artist and comply with copyright laws.
How to Incorporate Lyrics Into an Essay
When incorporating lyrics into an essay, put the lyrics inside quotation marks. Short quotations can be integrated into a sentence, such as, "In the song 'Hey Jude,' the Beatles sing…" followed by the lyrics in quotation marks. Long quotations, or those that are four lines or longer, need to be set off in a block quote, where you ...
How to Quote Song Lyrics in APA
To one who'll watch over me. (Gershwin & Gershwin, 1926, stanza 6) If you are quoting lyrics from a booklet, replace the track number with the booklet page number (as the words contained in CD booklets do not always correspond to what is sung on an album): Janey, a letter came today. And a picture of you.
formatting
When incorporating lyrics into an essay, put the lyrics inside quotation marks. Short quotations can be integrated into a sentence, such as, "In the song 'Stairway to Heaven,' the Led Zeppelin sing…" followed by the lyrics in quotation marks. Long quotations, or those that are four lines or longer, need to be set off in a block quote ...
How do I cite song lyrics?
If you cite song lyrics from a CD you listened to, you might simply refer to the song in your essay: "You say you got a real solution," the Beatles sing in "Revolution 1.". You can then provide a works-cited-list entry for the album that contains the song. Follow the MLA format template: list the name of the performer or band as the ...
How To Write Song Lyrics In An Essay: Tips For Incorporating Songs In
It might be nearly impossible to write song lyrics in an essay owing to unforeseen issues with the properties of the sound recording medium. Thus, if you're unsure of your skills, you may get professional write my essay online assistance at CustomWritings service whose academic writers will help with your writing requirements.
A Guide to Lyric Essay Writing: 4 Evocative Essays and ...
1. Draft a "braided essay," like Michelle Zauner in this excerpt from Crying in H Mart. Before Crying in H Mart became a bestselling memoir, Michelle Zauner—a writer and frontwoman of the band Japanese Breakfast—published an essay of the same name in The New Yorker. It opens with the fascinating and emotional sentence, "Ever since my ...
How to Write Lyrics in an Essay
Citing someone else's moving lyrics by quoting them verbatim can assist in connecting with the audience reading the research paper or essay. It can lend energy and influence the argument of the essay. There are a few rules and actual laws to understand before injecting lyrics into a written work.
An Introduction to the Lyric Essay
A quick definition of the term "lyric essay" is that it's a hybrid genre that combines essay and poetry. Lyric essays are prose, but written in a manner that might remind you of reading a poem. Before we go any further, let me step back with some more definitions. If you want to know the difference between poetry and prose, it's simply ...
Harmonizing Words: How to Write Song Lyrics in an Essay
Illustration: Song lyrics can serve as vivid illustrations or examples that support your arguments. Cultural Relevance: Certain songs or lyrics may be culturally significant, adding relevance to your essay. How to Incorporate Lyrics into Your Essay. Now that you understand the why, let's get into the how. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to ...
What Is a Lyric Essay in Writing?
A lyric essay uses many poetic tools to convey creative nonfiction. These tools can (but don't necessarily have to) include autobiography, figurative language, and sonic devices employed by many poets. ( List of poetic forms for poets .) A lyric essay may be written in prose paragraphs at one point and switch over to poetic stanzas at another ...
How do I format a quotation of song lyrics?
Format a quotation of song lyrics the same way you would format a quotation of poetry. If the quotation consists of fewer than four lines, run it into the text, placing quotation marks around the lines and separating the lines from each other with a forward slash with a space on either side of it. Bob Dylan famously sang that " [t]he answer ...
How to Cite a Song in MLA
Quoting lyrics. Quote lyrics from a song in a similar format to poetry: separate lines with a slash symbol, and format four or more lines quoted at once as a block quote.. Quoting lyrics in the text In the chorus, Bush sings "if I only could / I'd make a deal with God / And I'd get him to swap our places" (0:51-59).. If you're quoting these lyrics from a transcript included ...
Lyric Essays
A good way to teach the lyric essay is in conjunction with poetry (see the Purdue OWL's resource on teaching Poetry in Writing Courses ). After students learn the basics of poetry, they may be prepared to learn the lyric essay. Lyric essays are generally shorter than other essay forms, and focus more on language itself, rather than storyline.
How to Write In-Text Citations for Music Lyrics
Step 5. Use the author's name in the main body of the text followed by the date in parentheses, if it is better for the essay's readability. Using the example above, you could alternatively write "In 'Teachers,' Cohen (1967) states that he …" to cite the same work. Write any lyric in the same way as you would write poetry.
How to Quote a Song in an Essay: A Comprehensive Guide
When deliberating on how to quote a song lyric in an essay, providing background about the song or artist can offer valuable insight into its intended message or cultural impact, making your argument more persuasive. This context helps bridge any gaps between the reader's knowledge and the significance of the lyrics within your essay's ...
Writing From the Margins: On the Origins and Development of the Lyric Essay
While the origins of the lyric essay predate its naming, the most well-known attempt to categorize the form came in 1997, when writers John D'Agata and Deborah Tall, coeditors of Seneca Review, noticed a "new" genre in the submission queue—not quite poetry, but neither quite narrative. This form-between-forms seemed to ignore the ...
Can I Use Song Lyrics in my Manuscript?
A: Song lyrics are copyrighted, which means you need permission to use them. According to our legal expert Amy Cook, there isn't any specific law about how much you can take under fair use, but it's common for the music industry to say you need permission for even one line of a song. ( Should you copyright your book before submitting it ...
An Insider's Guide to Writing the Perfect Lyrical Essay
A lyrical essay is like the poem in its shapeliness and rhythmic style, but it also borrows from elements of the essay, using narrative to explore a particular topic in an extended way. What makes this form of writing so distinctive is that it draws attention to its own use of language. Like poems, lyrical essays create certain effects with the ...
Copyright permission for use of song lyrics
Yes. You don't need permission to list the names of the songs, but to quote the lyrics in a commercial work, you need permission. The laws around fair-use and song lyrics are really dicey and have been historically narrowly interpreted. If this is for a college paper that is free, then you'll likely get a pass.
How to Quote Song Lyrics in an Essay
However, quoting song lyrics can be a bit tricky, as there are specific guidelines that need to be followed. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary information to properly quote song lyrics in your essay. 1. Use quotation marks: When quoting song lyrics, it is important to enclose the lyrics in quotation marks. This helps ...
Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay
Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application. 7. Stay True ...
How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)
Step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: Start with a Hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic.The hook should pique the reader's interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Buy Essay Online: 5 Best Sites to Purchase Cheap College Papers
That is to say, if you purchase essay from one of these sites, you have to read it, learn from it, and then write your own essay in your own words. Where can I buy an essay online? Today, there ...
A new generation of music-making algorithms is here
IN THE dystopia of George Orwell's novel "1984", Big Brother numbs the masses with the help of a "versificator", a machine designed to automatically generate the lyrics to popular tunes ...
'Practically Fasting for Months': Gazans Struggle to Celebrate Ramadan
A time of religious devotion, dawn-to-dusk fasting and charity is instead a daily struggle for survival. A time of religious devotion, dawn-to-dusk fasting and charity is instead a daily struggle ...

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How To Write Song Lyrics In An Essay: Tips For Incorporating Songs In Your Papers

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A Guide to Lyric Essay Writing: 4 Evocative Essays and Prompts to Learn From

1. Draft a “braided essay,” like Michelle Zauner in this excerpt from Crying in H Mart .

2. Experiment with nonfiction forms , like Hadara Bar-Nadav in “ Selections from Babyland . ”

3. Travel through time , like Nina Boutsikaris in “ Some Sort of Union .”

4. Bring in research, history, and data, like Roxane Gay in “ What Fullness Is .”

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How to Write Lyrics in an Essay

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