A song is a composition combining melody and words to create music. It is protected by copyright, a system of law that gives the composer (musicians) and lyricists legal rights to their work.
How to Write a Song
A song can be written on paper, in electronic music software or online. It can also be recorded on audio or video.
The process of writing a song can vary, depending on the artist and their inspiration. Some artists spend months writing a song while others can get it down in five minutes.
Songs can be sung by an individual, a group of singers, or by instrumentalists. They may be accompanied by an instrument such as a guitar, piano, organ, trumpet or violin.
Composers of songs use chords to create a recognizable musical pattern. This can be used to enhance the lyrics and the overall tone of the song.
In the music of Franz Schubert, for example, he frequently varied strophic melodies to produce dramatic realization. He developed this skill into the Romantic period and became one of the most important songwriters of the 19th century.
The accompaniments to songs are another significant element in defining the genre of song. Romantic songwriters, in particular, learned from Schubert the art of varying a strophic melody while adding a variety of sophisticated accompaniments to underpin, embellish, illustrate or provide contrast to the voice.
Musicians should be sparing when adding instruments to their songs and be sure that they complement and synchronize with the beat of the song’s bassline. This will prevent oversaturation and muddiness, and it will help to enhance the song’s overall effect.