A song is a musical composition with vocals, often in a fixed melody and using patterns of sound and silence. The term may refer to a solo or group vocal performance, and can be either free-standing or within another medium such as theatre, films, TV shows, or operas. It can be sung a cappella or accompanied by an instrument, such as a guitar, piano, organ, accordion, violin, or percussion. The term can also be applied to large classical music vocal forms such as an aria or recitative, although these are generally referred to by other names in English-speaking countries.
Songs can be sung by solo singers, groups of singers in unison or harmony, and larger vocal ensembles such as a choir, quartet, quintet, or orchestra. Songs can be performed live or recorded, either for broadcast or for sale on audio or video formats (or both).
When songwriters are serious about their work, they care about the quality of their creations and are willing to take time to improve them over the long haul. They are not afraid to try new ideas, even if they fail. And they care about the success of their creations, not just as commercial successes but as expressions of beauty and meaning. But getting there requires that songwriters set high standards and learn to look at their own creations objectively. That is not always easy, particularly for songwriters who are attached to their work. But, if they can do it, their chances of achieving greatness are much higher.