Song is a musical composition with vocals (singing). It can be sung, chanted or recited. Song often has a rhythm or beat and lyrics. It may also have harmony and other musical elements. It is usually a short composition, typically three minutes or less, that has a definite structure.
The key to writing a song is the interweaving of melody and words, in a way that fits the story you want to tell or the feeling you want to convey. This takes time, and requires participants to be comfortable with the creative process. It can be a great idea to collaborate with others when composing songs, and there are ways that this can be done.
For example, if you are writing a song about love, you might find it helpful to ask friends and family what the story feels like to them. Or, you might go to an art gallery and take note of the feelings evoked in a particular piece of artwork. You can then create a melody and lyrics that capture these feelings.
Once you have a concept, title, lyrical phrases or a riff for your song, it is important to think about the structure of the song. This is called song form or song structure. Most songs have an introduction, verses and a chorus, but some also have bridges or pre-choruses, as well as a refrain. A good song builds suspense and elevates this tension through its words, by telling a story or expressing an emotion, and through its music, with chords and melodies that follow a pattern of build up and resolution. The use of simile, metaphor and alliteration can also be helpful in creating a sense of intrigue and excitement in your song.