The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is the gold standard for many writers, offering comprehensive guidance on style, grammar, and punctuation. But when it comes to song titles, the rules can seem a bit murky. This guide will clarify how CMOS handles song titles, offering a clear and concise explanation for both writers and editors. We'll also explore common questions surrounding this topic.
How Does CMOS Style Song Titles?
According to CMOS, song titles are treated as works within a larger work (the album or musical). This means they should be enclosed in quotation marks. This applies regardless of whether the song title appears in a sentence, a bibliography, or a footnote.
Example: Her favorite track on the album was "Dancing Queen."
This simple rule consistently applies across various contexts within CMOS. The capitalization of the song title follows standard title capitalization rules—capitalize the first word, the last word, and all principal words (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and some conjunctions).
What About Titles in Italics? Why Not?
You might encounter other style guides that italicize song titles. However, CMOS consistently uses quotation marks for song titles, reserving italics for larger works like albums, musicals, or collections. This distinction helps maintain clarity and consistency within the writing.
How to Cite Songs in a Bibliography (CMOS Style)
When citing a song in a bibliography using CMOS, you'll need to include details such as the song title (in quotation marks), the album title (in italics), the artist, the record label, and the year of release. The specific format will depend on the edition of CMOS you're using; consult your chosen edition for the precise citation format.
Are Song Titles Ever Capitalized Differently?
Generally, follow standard title capitalization rules. However, if the original song title uses a different capitalization scheme (e.g., all lowercase), it’s acceptable to reproduce the title as it originally appeared, preserving the author's stylistic choice. Maintain consistency throughout your work.
What About Song Titles in Headlines or Titles?
In headlines or titles, CMOS guidelines suggest maintaining the quotation marks around the song title. However, some publications may have internal style guides that deviate slightly. Always check the specific style guide for your publication.
Do I Need to Use Quotation Marks for Every Mention of a Song Title?
Yes, for consistency and clarity, use quotation marks every time you mention a song title in your text, regardless of how many times it appears.
What if a Song Title is Part of a Longer Title?
If a song title forms part of a larger title (e.g., "The Ballad of..."), treat the entire longer title as a single unit and enclose it in quotation marks.
What About Translations of Song Titles?
When referencing a translated song title, place the original language title in quotation marks, followed by a translation in parentheses. For example: "Le temps ne fait rien à l'affaire" ("Time Changes Nothing").
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how the Chicago Manual of Style addresses song titles. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure consistent and accurate styling in your work. Remember to consult the latest edition of CMOS for the most up-to-date information and specific formatting details.
