A song is a set of lyrics or other musical content that is sung. Songs can be sung without instrumental accompaniment (a cappella) or accompanied by instruments. A single singer may perform a song, or several voices can perform it in the form of duets or trios; larger ensembles sing choral music. A song can have a variety of different parts, including an intro, verses, pre-choruses, choruses, and bridges. Some songs have a coda or outro.
For generations, people have turned to music as a way to express their feelings and experience emotions in new ways. The emotional power of a song is so powerful that it can cause us to cry, laugh or dance. It can also inspire us or make us want to act in certain ways. Songs are emotional outlets, cultural artifacts, educational tools, and vehicles for personal and social change.
The multifaceted purposes of a song are the reason so many people love and enjoy them. Songwriting is a great way to communicate ideas and feelings, as well as an opportunity for artists to experiment with different genres and production techniques.
Music and speech have been combined since earliest times, and music heightens the impact of words by creating emotion and drama that would be hard to convey through spoken language alone. Songs are often used as cultural artifacts, preserving languages and traditions that might otherwise be lost. For example, national anthems unite communities around a shared identity, and folk songs provide valuable insights into the lives of past generations. Songs can be used as therapeutic tools, and have been found to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.