What is a Song?

Lyrical compositions often follow specific structures that help create a cohesive and engaging song. These structures are composed of repeated parts and sections that can vary in melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrics. A story develops like a picture made of instruments, and voices. 

Here are some of the most common names used to define a song's structure:

Parts of a Song:

Verse:

The verse is where the storytelling of a song typically unfolds. It usually has a consistent melody but varies in lyrics from one verse to the next, helping to develop the narrative or theme.

Chorus (or Refrain):

The chorus is the most memorable and repetitive part of a song. It typically contains the song's main message or hook, and it usually features the same lyrics and melody each time it occurs. The chorus is designed to be catchy and is often the most emotionally impactful part of the song.

Bridge:

The bridge (also known as the "middle eight") provides a contrast to the verses and choruses, both musically and lyrically. It usually comes only once in a song and introduces a different melody, rhythm, or lyrical perspective to keep the listener engaged and add variety.

Pre-Chorus:

The pre-chorus is a short section that comes between the verse and the chorus. It builds anticipation for the chorus by creating a sense of tension or excitement, often using a different melody or chord progression.

Intro:

The introduction (or intro) is the opening part of the song. It sets the tone, establishes the key, and introduces the listener to the song's musical style. It can be instrumental or include a vocal hook, and it's usually shorter than other sections.

Outro (or Coda):

The outro is the concluding section of a song. It can be a simple fade-out, a repetition of the chorus with a different twist, or a completely new musical idea that wraps up the song. The outro gives a sense of closure to the composition.

Hook:

The hook is a musical idea or phrase that stands out and is memorable. It can be part of the chorus, a specific instrumental riff, or a lyrical phrase. The hook is designed to "hook" the listener's attention and keep them engaged.

Refrain:

A refrain is similar to a chorus but shorter. It’s a repeated line or two that occurs at the end of a verse. Unlike a full chorus, the refrain does not stand as a separate section and is embedded within the verses.

Instrumental Break:

An instrumental break is a section where no singing occurs, and the focus shifts to the instruments. This break can showcase a solo instrument or create a mood change, often found in rock, jazz, and electronic music.

Verse-Refrain Structure:

In this structure, the refrain is a line or two that repeats at the end of each verse rather than a standalone chorus. This approach blends the verse and chorus into one continuous thought.

Common Song Structure Patterns:

Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus (ABABCB):
This is a standard pop song structure. It repeats the verse and chorus twice, introduces a bridge, and ends with another chorus.

Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse (AABA):
Known as the 32-bar form, this structure is popular in jazz and early rock songs. The first two verses (A) are followed by a bridge (B), and then a return to the verse (A).

Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus (ABABCB):
This structure includes a pre-chorus to build tension before each chorus, adding more dynamics to the song.

Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus (ABAB):
This is a simpler structure that alternates between verse and chorus, often seen in folk, country, and some rock songs.

As you can see, there could be infinite variations, where these are only a few of the most commonly employed components. Hopefully they may serve as a starting point for you to express any mood, moment, or theme of your interest. Understanding these elements is crucial for songwriters to begin recording their artistic visions, quickly, while retaining as much contextual and emotional information as possible; also with a latent awareness of how this experience might be interpreted in the future.