A song is a musical composition that has words and melody and is often sung. Songs can be purely instrumental (as in Beethoven symphonies), or they may have lyrics like the ones found on Broadway musicals and rock or pop tunes. A singer may sing a song alone or with other musicians (such as in a duet or trio).
Songs can tell stories or be about specific events, people or places. Some are religious hymns, or they can be folk songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Others are created by songwriters. Still others are sung as part of ceremonies or to celebrate a wedding, birthday or holiday. Some are parodies, or made to be funny by changing the words but keeping the tune (the famous example is “Weird Al” Yankovic).
While some songs are written just for entertainment, many have important social or political messages. Songs are also used in the workplace to motivate employees and help them do their jobs more efficiently.
Some songs are about the work of a particular industry, for instance sea shanties that were sung on sailing ships and had repetitive rhythms to coordinate the crew’s activities during hard tasks such as hauling ropes or taking up or down sails. Other genres include children’s songs and lullabies.
Other songs, such as art songs, are meant for performance by professional or carefully taught singers and accompanied by piano or an instrument ensemble. These songs are often considered to be at the top of their genre, and they are a form of classical music. Unlike popular songs, art songs tend to be more complex in their musical structure and are resistant to casual alteration.