When you hear a great song you are compelled to do SOMETHING. It might be dance, cry, sing along or whatever. A great song is a direct channel from the conscious mind to the subconscious. This is what makes them so powerful. A good song is a combination of melody, harmony and lyrics. They also include the arrangement and production. This includes the style and sound of the voice, which adds tremendous drama to the interpretation and presentation of a song.
Songs typically follow a form, which is like the standardized forms used in poetry. The most common form is the verse/chorus.
The verse serves to set the scene, tell a story, or provide context for the main message of the song. It also establishes the lyrical rhythm, rhyme scheme and vocabulary of the song. A verse can also introduce a bridge or pre-chorus. The pre-chorus is an optional song section that serves to build up suspense and anticipation. It’s usually short, but is meant to push the listener towards the chorus. The chorus is the big payoff and climax of a song. It should contain the title of the song and be the catchiest part of the song.
A song may be sung in a studio and recorded, or it can be performed live for an audience and broadcast on radio and TV. It can also be written and inked on a piece of paper as sheet music. Some songs are so iconic that they can be recognized without hearing the artist’s name. Songs can be a vehicle for political or social change, and they have the power to transport you to another time or place.