The question of whether to write "Let It Be" or Let It Be often arises, especially when discussing the iconic Beatles song. The answer, however, isn't as straightforward as a simple yes or no. The correct way to write it depends entirely on the context. Let's explore the nuances.
When to Use "Let It Be"
Use "Let It Be" when referring to the phrase as a general expression, a common idiom, or part of everyday conversation. For example:
- "Sometimes, the best approach is to simply let it be."
- "He tried to fix the problem, but eventually, he decided to let it be."
- "The phrase 'Let It Be' carries a message of acceptance and peace."
In these instances, the phrase isn't specifically referencing the Beatles song; it's using the common meaning of the phrase. The capitalization is consistent with standard English sentence structure—the first word is capitalized and the remainder isn't.
When to Use Let It Be
Use Let It Be when referring specifically to the Beatles song. The italics indicate that you are mentioning the title of a work. This is standard practice in writing and is crucial for clarity.
- "I listened to Let It Be this morning and was struck by its timeless quality."
- "Paul McCartney wrote the song Let It Be."
- "The album Let It Be features some of the Beatles' most iconic tracks."
Italicizing the title shows respect for the artist's creative work and avoids any confusion with the phrase's general usage.
What About Quotations?
When directly quoting a lyric from the song, use quotation marks:
- "The line 'Let it be, let it be' is both soothing and powerful."
The quotation marks indicate that this is a direct excerpt from the song. Here the capitalization matches the song's original lyrics.
Is it Always Italics?
While generally accepted practice dictates italics for song titles, some style guides may have different preferences. Always check your publication or institution's style guide for specific formatting guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How should I write "Let It Be" in a bibliography or reference list?
In a bibliography or reference list, the title Let It Be would typically be italicized, consistent with other song titles and similar works. You would also need to include other relevant bibliographic information such as the artist, album, record label, and year of release.
Is it grammatically incorrect to use "Let It Be" without italics when discussing the song?
While not strictly grammatically incorrect, using "Let It Be" without italics when referring to the Beatles' song is stylistically imprecise. It lacks the clarity that italics provide and makes it difficult for the reader to distinguish between the phrase's general meaning and the specific title.
Why do we italicize titles of creative works?
Italicizing titles of creative works such as songs, books, albums, and films is a convention used to visually set them apart from the surrounding text, clearly identifying them as distinct works. It's a standard stylistic choice that improves readability and comprehension.
In summary, the correct way to write "Let It Be" depends on the context. Use "Let It Be" for the general expression and Let It Be when specifically referring to the Beatles song. Using italics ensures clarity and proper stylistic conventions. Remember to always use quotation marks for direct quotes from the lyrics.
