THE STRUCTURE OF A POPULAR SONG

              The structure of a song consists on the way the composer organizes the ideas or melodies in different parts or sections of a song. Let`s see what are the main sections in a classical pop-rock song.

                                                          THE STRUCTURE OF A POPULAR SONG:

When you build a song you have to think about the parts that this song has to have.

a)    Introduction: It`s an instrumental part just before the lyrics starts.

b)    Verse: It`s the part of the song that tells the story. It moves the story forward. This section always repeats the music but the words change. 

c)     Pre-Chorus: It's a short transition section. It prepares the coming climax which is the chorus.  It has the same music and the same words. 

d)    Chorus: it`s the most catchy part of the song. A good chorus has to stick in your mind. It`s repeated several times. Music and words are the same and the title of the song is usually included in this part.

e)    Instrumental break: It is an instrumental section or interlude during a song. Its main function is to take a break from the main parts of the song.

f)     Bridge: It normally differs melodically, lyrically and rhythmically from the other parts of the song. It gives the song contrast before the final chorus.

g)    Coda: It’s an Italian word for tail. It`s an optional addiction to a song and it represents the end of a song.

         Click on this link to listen to a song as an example of a classical song structure.

       EXAMPLE