Songs are one of the most common musical forms, and they have a long history. This collection of articles brings together a wide range of recent scholarship on this humble but profoundly powerful art form. Each article focuses on a different aspect of song, from the ways that the structure of a song can help elevate the lyrics and story to a whole new level.
In this way, the chorus is a chance to tell the big ideas that are at the core of the song. It’s the climax of everything that has been build up in the verse and pre-chorus, and it’s where the most memorable and catchiest phrases are likely to be found. The chorus is the final point of tension in a song, and it also often features the title of the song, as well as the hook that will make the listener remember the song.
The bridge is often used as a transitional element in the song, bringing the energy of the verse down to a more mellow or atmospheric level for a brief moment before the chorus comes back up again. It’s an opportunity to slow down and reflect on what has been said or heard up to this point, and a chance for the writer to add a personal touch or insight into the bigger picture of the song.
The song may be for a solo singer, a lead singer with backing vocalists, or an ensemble of singers such as a choir or an orchestra. It can be a cappella (without the accompaniment of instruments), or it can be accompanied by a single piano, a guitar, a bass guitar, or a full band.