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Structuring A Song
To write a song, it is important to keep it organized and structured. Knowing the basic format of a song will allow you to break it down and write one section at a time. A basic song structure contains an intro, verses, pre-chorus, chorus, and a bridge. You must know these components before writing a song or else it will not be organized or flow nicely!
Intro: You probably already have an understanding of an intro to a song. The intro is the first impression that your song will give off, and it will establish your elements. An intro isn’t always very long, so it will create a sense of mystery to the audience so that they will want to keep listening to the song.
Verse: Verses take place in multiple different points in a song. They typically take up a majority of the song and will provide more elements as well as story-telling. Verses move the song along and repeat the same melody!
Chorus: The chorus is the main point, or climax, of the song. Choruses are very repetitive in melody and is where the main message, feelings, or emotion that the song contains will be displayed!
Optional elements:
Pre-chorus: Although a pre-chorus is not obligated, it is a great section to switch from verse to chorus. The pre-chorus will anticipate the chorus by changing the melody up or even changing volumes. As an example, a pre-chorus may be quieter than the rest of the song to bring extra excitement to the chorus.
Bridge: A bridge is also an optional, but encouraged, aspect of a song. When the song hits the bridge, it typically completely changes in terms of melodies, chords, rhythms, and more in order to step away from the repetitive elements that take place elsewhere in the song.
As big of a challenge as writing a song is, breaking it up into these components will help to a great extent. You can apply your elements like your melodies, harmony, dynamics, and rhythm to each of these sections! For example, the chorus is a great place to add some harmony and crank up the volume in order to create excitement. You may also change up the rhythm in the drums or bass for the bridge, which can allow the repetitiveness to take a break. As the songwriter, you have complete control of these sections and how you want to apply the elements to them!
