Mr. MehrotraEWC 4U0

The Five Main Parts of a Song

Mr. MehrotraEWC 4U0

Introduction:

The five main parts of a song are the verse, chorus, prechorus, bridge, and solo.

Though all songs don’t necessarily contain all five of these parts, every song must contain at least one verse.

Most generally contain, at the very least, a series of verses and choruses.

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Verse:

Verses are the primary building blocks of songs. Each verse generally contains: The same melody and harmony A different set of lyrics

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Verse:

Songwriters use verses to tell a song’s story or convey its message.

Mr. MehrotraEWC 4U0

For Example:

You can be addicted to a certain kind of sadness.Like resignation to the end, always the end.So when we found that we could not make sense,Well you said that we would still be friends.But I'll admit that I was glad it was over.

-- Gotye

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For Example:Give me a second I,I need to get my story straight.My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State,My lover she’s waiting for me just across the bar.My seat’s been taken by some sunglasses, asking about a scar.And I know I gave it to you months agoI know you’re trying to forget,But between the drinks and subtle thingsThe holes in my apologies, you knowI’m trying hard to take it back.So if by the time the bar closesAnd you feel like falling downI’ll carry you home.

--Fun

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Chorus:

The chorus is the “sing-along” part of a song that tends to stick in the listener’s mind.

A catchy song has a chorus that’s easy to sing or hum, hard to forget, and repeated throughout the song.

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Chorus:

Each chorus generally contains: The same melody and harmony The same set of lyrics

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Chorus:

The chorus’s lyrics serve as the anchor, or main focus, of a song.

They usually have the most memorable and emotional impact on the listener.

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For Example:But you didn't have to cut me off.Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing.And I don't even need your love,But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough.No you didn't have to stoop so low.Have your friends collect your records and then change your number.I guess that I don't need that thoughNow you're just somebody that I used to know.Now you're just somebody that I used to know.Now you're just somebody that I used to know.

-- Gotye

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For Example:

TonightWe are young,So let’s set the world on fireWe can burn brighter than the sun.

TonightWe are young,So let’s set the world on fireWe can burn brighter than the sun.

--Fun

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Prechorus:

The prechorus is also known as the setup, climb, build, or B section.

It is the last few lines of the verse that immediately precede the chorus.

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Prechorus:

Each prechorus generally contains: The same melody and harmony Either the same or a different set of

lyrics each time

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Prechorus:

Not all verses contain a prechorus. When a verse does contain a

prechorus, it’s used to build tension that the chorus then releases, or relieves.

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For Example:

People always told me be careful of what you do ,And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts. And mother always told me be careful of who you love, And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth.

--MJ

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Bridge:

The bridge occurs just once in a song. Its music and lyrics are unique compared

to those elsewhere in the song. Lyrically, bridges are used for several

purposes: Sum up a song’s message Provide a different perspective on the song’s

message Add a surprise lyrical twist to the song

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Bridge:

The main purpose of the bridge is to provide a pause from, or contrast to, the other parts of the song.

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For Example:

Hey, alright now,

Alright now fellas,

Now what’s cooler than being cool? X2

Alright x 14

Okay now ladies,

We gonna break this thing down in just a few seconds

Now don’t have me break this thing down for nothing,

Now I wanna see y’all on y’all baddest behaviour,

Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbour.

Now, shake it . . . x ? ? ?

--OutKast

1

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Solo (Instrumental Break):

This features music without any lyrics.

Most instrumental breaks focus on one instrument, such as the guitar or piano.

The solo is often played over the same chords that make up the verse.

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Solo (Instrumental Break):

Songwriters use instrumental breaks to provide pause between verses or to lead up to a final, climactic chorus.