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Song Structure PDF

The document discusses the roles and purposes of different sections in a song structure. The verse moves the story or lyrics forward, while the chorus contains the catchy, repeating refrain that captures the essence of the song. The pre-chorus builds up to the chorus, while the bridge provides musical and lyrical contrast. Common song structures include verse-chorus, verse-pre-chorus-chorus, and chorus-verse-chorus with a bridge. The hook is the most memorable, catchy part that sticks in listeners' heads.

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Leoni Pepe D'Adderio
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2K views

Song Structure PDF

The document discusses the roles and purposes of different sections in a song structure. The verse moves the story or lyrics forward, while the chorus contains the catchy, repeating refrain that captures the essence of the song. The pre-chorus builds up to the chorus, while the bridge provides musical and lyrical contrast. Common song structures include verse-chorus, verse-pre-chorus-chorus, and chorus-verse-chorus with a bridge. The hook is the most memorable, catchy part that sticks in listeners' heads.

Uploaded by

Leoni Pepe D'Adderio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Song Structure

The Role of Each Section:


Song structure is a bit more than arranging a song’s sections in a certain way. It’s also
important to understand that each section typically has a role to fulfill. If you know the
role of each section in your song, you’ll be better prepared to modify a song structure, as
you see fit.
Verse
Lyrically, the verses of your song will move your story forward. The chorus or refrain is
likely to have the same words each time, so the verse is your chance to keep your ideas
moving along.
Chorus
Think of your chorus as the big idea for what your song’s all about. That’s partly why
your title is most likely to show up in your chorus. Your title also sums up what the
song’s about. Melodically, the chorus will be the catchiest part of your song. This is what
people will have stuck in their head long after your song is over. That’s another reason
it’s good to have your title in the chorus. When people get your chorus stuck in their
head, they’ll easily know what your song is called and can find it later when they want to
hear it again.
Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus is an add-on before the chorus. It usually repeats the same lyrics each
time, the same way a chorus does. Musically, a lot of times it creates a nice build up to
what’s coming in the chorus. Katy Perry’s “Firework” was a good example of that.
Bridge
The bridge is a departure from what we’ve heard in a song, previously. This goes for
both the lyrics and the music. Lyrically it’s an opportunity for a new perspective.
Musically, it’s a chance to offer the listener something they haven’t heard before to keep
the song interesting.
Refrain
In the AABA, or AAA structures, the refrain is the line that draws all the attention in your
verses. It’s usually at the beginning or end of each verse and is often the title of the
song.
Hook
The hook doesn’t necessarily refer to a specific section of a song, except to say it’s the
catchiest part of a song. Most of the time, it will be your chorus, if your song has one. If
your song doesn’t have a chorus your hook will most likely be your refrain. As hit
songwriter, Clay Drayton, says “A fish knows the hook… Once it’s in you, it’s hard to get
it out.”

Song forms exemples:


1. Song Form 1 = verse – chorus – verse – chorus – bridge – chorus – end
o This is the most common song structure.
o The bridge should express the “what if?” or the opportunity of the song’s
story
2. Song Form 2 = verse – chorus – verse – chorus – music – chorus – end
o common in rock, dance and country but lacks a bridge or “middle 8”
3. Song Form 3 = verse – lift/pre-chorus – chorus – bridge – lift/pre-chorus –
chorus
o this is the song structure that has the most #1 hits
o the pre-chorus should be 2-6 lines that precede the title line
o the pre-chorus expresses the “and, if, but, maybe” of the song
o bridge should be just about 2 lines but not much more
4. Song Form 4 = (a) beginning – (b) now – (c) what if? – (d) down the road
o no chorus
o 1st or last line or each section is the title line many times
o sense of passage of time is usually essential with this song structure
5. Song Form 5 = chorus – verse – chorus – music – bridge – chorus – end
o this song structure is called a rondo… or at least is similar to a rondo
o great for dance record songs
o lots of Western Swing songs are written in this song form
6. Song Form 6 = preamble – followed by song in various structures
o the preamble sets up the premise for the song or introduces the song
o think Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer

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