A song is a musical piece that combines melody and lyrics. It is often structured with verses and a chorus, and it usually has a rhythm or beat. It can be sung by solo singers or a group, including choirs. It may be performed a cappella or with instruments such as guitars, pianos, drums, and other percussion. It may also be performed within plays, musical theatre or other stage shows, and in films and TV shows.
Some songwriters write the lyrics before they create the music, while others do both at the same time. There is no right or wrong way to work, and it is important for a songwriter to find a creative process that works best for him or her. It is also a good idea to learn from other songwriters by studying their work and listening to hits on the radio.
The word song is also used to refer to a particular type of music, such as Irish folk songs, African storytelling songs, Christian hymns or heavy metal. It is used in this context because these types of music are often sung, but it can also be used to describe any type of musical piece that contains lyrics and has a melody.
It is often helpful for songwriters to play their songs for other people, especially those who aren’t afraid to give honest feedback. It can help them to spot weaknesses in the structure or lyrics and to make improvements.