For many music fans, a song is simply the melodies, lyrics and grooves that flow out of their earphones. But for the legal world, that definition is much more nuanced – where does a composer’s work end and a performer’s start? That question has been at the heart of several high-profile copyright lawsuits involving artists like Ed Sheeran, Pharrell and Robin Thicke.
In fact, the definition of “song” is more broad than it might seem: a song is any piece of vocal musical genre that is sung. However, this broad category is often used to mean a particular type of song: an aria, recitative, cantata, madrigal or mass (not to mention a pop single or a Broadway show). These are songs that follow stricter formulas and more rigorous structure than other pieces of music.
When the songwriter is using this approach, it’s usually to write a song that tells a story. These types of songs can be written in various song structures, but are often constructed around a ‘bridge’ section that provides a musical space between the verse and chorus sections. The bridge typically uses different lyrics and usually starts on a chord that differs from what the verse or chorus sections start on.
Whether a songwriter is using this approach to write a story or is simply wanting to make a catchy tune, it’s helpful to have an understanding of how these common components of songs are organized. Many people are wary of learning about the technical aspects of songwriting – perhaps fearing that it might make their music less authentic or real. But the truth is, knowing how these elements come together can help songwriters improve their creative process and give them a leg up when collaborating with others.