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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing

Punctuation in Poetry and Songs

What are the rules for using punctuation in poetry and songs?

For example, in the song 'Jingle Bells', where should there be punctuation?

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight

Thanks for helping.
  

Top answer

There are no special rules; in fact, there are no rules and no one teaching them or watching for errors. Punctuate minimally and to avoid total confusion. I see 'Jingle Bells' as equally catchy whether it is punctuated this way – Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh Over the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight – or this way – Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh, Over the fields we go, Laughing all the way.

— Mister Micawber

  • There are no special rules; in fact, there are no rules and no one teaching them or watching for errors.
  • Punctuate minimally and to avoid total confusion.
  • I see 'Jingle Bells' as equally catchy whether it is punctuated this way – Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh Over the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight – or this way – Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh, Over the fields we go, Laughing all the way.
  • Bells on bob tails ring, Making spirits bright.
  • What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight!
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2 Answers
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There are no special rules; in fact, there are no rules and no one teaching them or watching for errors. Punctuate minimally and to avoid total confusion. I see 'Jingle Bells' as equally catchy whether it is punctuated this way –

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
Over the fields we
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Hi,
I'm not aware of any standard rules or conventions for this.

As far as I know, punctuation is pretty loosely used in such cases. For example, sometimes it is punctuated as if it were prose, sometimes where one would pause to breathe in singing, sometimes there may
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