A song is a piece of music. It is a combination of melody and lyrics, usually with a structure. In addition, it has rhythm and harmony or a beat.
Copyright protects a song by keeping it original. The composer of the melody (or music) and the lyricist are protected by copyright, so they are the authors of the song.
Songs can be classified into a variety of genres, such as folk songs, narrative ballads, and lyric songs. They may also be classified into styles, such as chants, art songs, and popular songs.
The singing style of a song is important for expressing the meanings of the lyrics. Some cultures value a relaxed, natural vocal quality with loosely articulated words; others cultivate a more trained, tense sound with precisely enunciated words.
In 17th-century dramatic music, distinctions between recitative and aria were established; a recitative is an entirely word-oriented song, with minimal chordal accompaniment, while an aria is more virtuosic, melodically elaborate, and often has a richer accompaniment.
Lute songs, which originated in England and France, are strophic or verse-repeating songs with a homophonic texture that was written for a solo voice, generally with the lute. It was not uncommon for other forms of accompaniment to be used, such as bass viol or other string instruments.
The song’s hook is an important component of a song’s structure and can be a combination of intriguing, thoughtful lyrics or a catchy melody that makes audiences want to sing along. It can also be a rhythmic lick or riff that underpins parts of the song and creates a feeling of tension or interest in the listener.