Music is pervasive in our daily lives and serves many purposes: easing boredom, helping us connect with others, or even regulating our emotions1. Among the most influential components of music are the lyrics and melody of a song. Lyrical complexity has been shown to have a strong impact on listeners’ liking of a song and can enhance or inhibit the emotional valence of a track2.
A song is a musical composition with vocals. The word “song” is more or less synonymous with any vocal music genre, including classical vocal forms like aria and recitative, although the term is generally viewed as more formulaic and constrained than pieces of music, and it doesn’t include larger ensembles of vocalists such as oratorio and opera, which are usually referred to using terms such as mass, requiem, and cantata.
Songs may be sung solo, by a lead singer supported by background singers, or by a combo of instrumentalists. They can also appear in theatrical shows and stage performances of all types, as well as in films and TV shows.
Some creators are wary of learning how a song is constructed, fearing that it will make their music less genuine or “real”. But knowing the basic building blocks of a song can be an invaluable tool in both your own creative process and when discussing your work with other musicians.