A song is a musical composition performed by the human voice and accompanied by instruments or other accompaniment. It may contain lyrics and a musical theme. It can be written and recorded by individual songwriters or by groups of people, such as bands and choirs. Songs are also used in plays, musical theatre and stage shows of any form, and are sometimes featured in films and TV programs. Some songs have become traditions, such as folk songs and patriotic anthems. Other examples are popular torch songs, ballads, novelty songs, rock, blues and indie music, and rapping.
There are many ways to write a song, and songwriters often disagree about which methods are best. Some believe that the key to writing a good song is to have a solid melodic hook or central chorus, which can then be built upon to develop the verses and bridge. Others, such as Dave Grohl, advocate starting with the lyrics and then building the melody around them. The lyrics of a song are arguably the most important element, since they set the tone for the rest of the track and can even earn an artist music royalties.
It’s also important for a songwriter to enjoy what they’re doing, because it can be easy to lose sight of how good a song is when you’ve spent hours working on it. If you’re not having fun, find someone else to listen to your song who can give you a realistic critique.