Screenplay format guide
How to Write Song Lyrics in a Screenplay
To write song lyrics in a screenplay, format them as dialogue under the character name, with (singing) as a parenthetical, and put each sung line on its own line. Many writers also set lyrics in italics or capitals. Write original lyrics or describe the song, because quoting a real song creates a rights problem a producer must pay for.
Written and reviewed by ScriptLix Editorial
INT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT
Empty except for GRACE (60s), folding towels. She thinks she is alone.
GRACE
(singing, off key)
Spin cycle, spin cycle, take my week away,
Fold it into squares and put it on the shelf to stay.
The bell over the door rings. A TEENAGE BOY freezes, holding a basket.
Grace keeps folding. Keeps singing. Louder.
Write your own
Type in plain text. A name in caps right above a line becomes dialogue, and lines starting INT. or EXT. become scene headings.
INT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT
Empty except for GRACE (60s), folding towels. She thinks she is alone.
GRACE
(singing, off key)
Spin cycle, spin cycle, take my week away,
Fold it into squares and put it on the shelf to stay.
The bell over the door rings. A TEENAGE BOY freezes, holding a basket.
Grace keeps folding. Keeps singing. Louder.
How to use it
- 1
Write the character cue, then (singing) as a parenthetical under it.
- 2
Put each line of the lyric on its own line, keeping the line breaks of the song.
- 3
Use original lyrics, or describe the song in an action line instead of quoting it.
How do you format song lyrics in a screenplay?
Lyrics are dialogue, so they sit under a character cue in the dialogue column. Add (singing) in a parenthetical, along with any note on how, like (singing, off key). Break the lyric line by line so the reader feels the rhythm, rather than running it as one block.
Some writers put lyrics in italics, and some in capitals, to set them apart from speech. Either is understood. If a character slips between singing and talking, add (speaking) or (singing again) to make the switch clear.
Can I quote a real song in my script?
You can, but readers and producers will see a cost. Using a real song on screen needs licences from whoever owns it, and famous songs can be very expensive. A spec script full of hit songs reads as a budget problem.
The safer moves: write original lyrics, as in the example, or describe the song without quoting it, like She sings along to a breakup anthem on the radio, word perfect and furious. If one specific song is essential to the story, name it once and accept that it may be changed.
What about a musical?
Musicals follow the same idea with more of it. Each song is usually introduced in an action line, and the lyrics run as dialogue, often in capitals or italics so they stand out. Long numbers can describe the staging between verses as action.
More from the format guide
- How to Write a Montage in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Flashback in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Phone Call in a Screenplay
- How to Write Text Messages in a Screenplay
- Dual Dialogue in a Screenplay
- Voice Over in a Screenplay: V.O. Narration
- Screenplay Transitions: CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO
- How to Introduce a Character in a Screenplay
- How to Use Parentheticals in a Screenplay
- How to Write an Intercut in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Title Card in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Series of Shots in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Flash Forward in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Dream Sequence in a Screenplay
- Smash Cut: What It Is and How to Write One
- O.S. in a Screenplay: Meaning and Format
- How to Write a Pre Lap in a Screenplay
- Subtitles in a Screenplay: Foreign Dialogue
- How to Write a Split Screen in a Screenplay
- How to Write Slow Motion in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Freeze Frame in a Screenplay
Questions writers ask
How do you write a character singing in a screenplay?
Write the cue, then (singing) as a parenthetical, then the lyrics as dialogue with each sung line on its own line.
Do song lyrics go in italics in a script?
Many writers use italics or capitals for lyrics. Neither is required. Be consistent across the script.
Can I use copyrighted song lyrics in a spec script?
You can write them, but using the song on screen requires licences. Original lyrics or a description of the song avoid the problem.
Should I name the music for a scene?
Usually not in a spec. Describe the feel of the music and leave the choice to the director and music supervisor.