Music is pervasive in our society and serves multiple functions1, including helping us to alleviate boredom, communicate, and socialize, as well as regulating our emotions2. Song has long been a medium for telling stories3, 4, 5, and is the dominant vehicle of communication in most cultures6, 7. Musical elements such as melody and lyrics are critical components of songs. However, it is also important to consider the context in which a song is created, experienced, produced, and consumed.
In many instances, songs serve as a tool for learning. They can help children learn basic concepts such as the alphabet, and often incorporate moral lessons that teach values like honesty and perseverance. Songs can also be a powerful tool for influencing change. They can act as anthems of protest and empowerment, inspiring individuals to stand up against injustice.
The structure of a song varies depending on the genre. For example, folk songs usually feature simple melodies and straightforward language, while art songs, such as those by medieval trouveres and troubadours, are more complex. In general, most songs have a similar basic layout: an intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge (with many including an outro).
Across multiple studies, researchers have found that the form of a song is correlated with its function. For instance, dance songs and lullabies are distinguished from each other by their form in principal component space, with the former having more singers, more instruments, higher rhythmic complexity, faster tempo, and higher arousal than the latter7.