Many creators are wary of learning how songs work – as if knowing the songwriting anatomy makes their music less “real”. In reality, understanding the elements that make up a song can provide valuable insight into your own creative process and help you better communicate with collaborators.
A song is a piece of music with lyrics or words, or it can be instrumental. A song can tell a story, express emotions or just be a pleasant listening experience. It is important to remember that the word song can also be used to describe a piece of music without any words or lyrics, such as a classical piece of music or a jazz tune.
The most important element of a song is the melody. It should be memorable and catchy, and it should fit the lyrics of the song well.
It is a good idea to practice the melody over and over again, until you feel comfortable singing it without any accompaniment. Once you have a melody that you are happy with, try adding some backing vocals or harmonies. This will add more impact to the top line.
A bridge is an optional section that usually appears between the verse and chorus in a song. It can build up tension or a sense of anticipation before the chorus, and it can also be a place to introduce new musical or lyrical content. This is a common structure in pop, rock and country music, and some songs even have a coda (similar to the famous “na na na” section in the Beatles’ Hey Jude). This is not a necessary feature of a song.