A song is a musical piece of work that incorporates lyrics and music. It may be sung with or without instruments (a cappella), by a solo singer, a group of musicians, including a backup vocalist, a duo, a trio, or an orchestra. Songs are a fundamental part of human expression. They are used to convey ideas, emotions, and stories from one person to another. The art of song has existed for millennia in a wide variety of cultures across the world.
Like a potter has clay and a painter has tubes of paint, songwriters have words, images, and fresh ideas as their raw materials. These ingredients are the foundation of a song, which can then be formed into a finished piece that will be enjoyed by a broad audience.
Once a melody is nailed down, you can start writing the lyrics. The best way to do this is to listen to popular hits and study how they’re written. This will help you learn the nuances of what makes a hit song.
The first section of the song, the verse, sets the scene and adds context. It is generally the more emotionally heavy portion of the song, with a lyrical theme that will be revisited in the chorus. For example, the Pretenders’ “Chains” tells the story of Chrissie Hynde’s grief over the death of her brother and her anger at journalists and touring companies for hounding her during this difficult time.