Crossword Genius

Are needs transformed by such a song? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

serenade

'such a song?' is the definition.
(serenade is a kind of song)

'are needs transformed' is the wordplay.
'transformed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'are'+'needs'='areneeds'
'areneeds' is an anagram of 'SERENADE'.

'by' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for serenade that I've seen before include "Lover's song" , "Musical piece" , "Sing (for someone on a balcony?)" , "Musical performance, under a lady's window?" , "Evening love song" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app