Most pop songs follow the same basic pattern. The modern pop song generally follows the "verse, chorus, verse" pattern. The "skeleton" of a pop song will usually look something like this -
- Intro
- Verse 1
- Chorus 1
- Verse 2
- Chorus 2
- Bridge (Middle 8)
- Verse 3
- Chorus 3
- Chorus 4
- Ending
Without a structure such as the one above a song usually sounds cluttered and without direction. Song structure is of vital importance. Try to come up with new ideas for songs too, lyrically and musically. Lovelorn tales in particular have been heard countless times. Give people something new to listen to.
How to Write the Verses of a Song
A pop song will typically contain two or three verses, more if the song is longer. In comparison, folk songs (folk-pop, folk-rock, folk-indie) usually tell a progressing story, whereby the story develops with each verse. Folk songs are generally longer than the typical pop song, for example, Christy Moore´s "Ordinary Man". Moore clearly unfolds a story as the song progresses. The verses in pop songs are often more abstract, hinting at a particular sentiment or thought about for example, the love of another, or a description of a moment in time. The meaning of the verses is usually then illuminated in the chorus, which talks about the general subject matter of the song.
With the first verse to a song, it is the general consensus that a songwriter should grab the attention of a listener. Let it be known who is talking, where the song takes place and hint at the direction that the song is going in. Other verses are used to further emphasise and illustrate the meaning of the chorus.
Writing the Chorus (Refrain)
The chorus is different from the verses. It is usually played with a totally different melody and tempo, with more instruments played. Basically, it is louder and faster than the verses. This is often so peole can sing along to the music, the chorus is the part of the song that has listeners tapping their foot to the beat. According to Steve Hillier, "this can be great fun, and the contrast between listening and singing creates an enjoyable tension and release for the audience; fundamental in popular music".
The chorus often contains short, sharp lines, with a rhyming end. This is what creates the "hook" of a song, the catchy part that makes the listener sing along, the most memorable part of a track. With the second chorus it is a good idea to mix the lines up a bit, or even write new lines. For example the first chorus to "Hard to Explain" by the Strokes goes like this-
"I missed the last bus
I'll take the next train
I try, but you see
It's hard to explain
I said the right things
But act the wrong way
I like it right here
But I cannot stay
I watched the TV
Forget what I'm told
Well I am too young
And they are too old
The joke is on you
This place is a zoo
You're right, it's true"
This is a perfect example of a good pop-indie track. The lines are short, to the point and they rhyme. Here is the second chorus, which changes the order of the lyrics and includes new lyrics too, sung with the same music and the same beat, but which has a few subtle differences to add something new to the song-
"I say the right things
But act the wrong way
I like it right here
But I cannot stay
I watched the TV
Forget what I'm told
I am too young
And they are too old
I'll make it you see
I'm ever so pleased
Pretend to be nice
So I can be mean
I missed the last bus
I'll take the next train
I try, but you see
It's hard to explain"
The Bridge
The Bridge, also known as the "middle 8" as it usually consists of 8 bars, normally occurs at the halfway point of a song. Its purpose is to add a fresh element to the song, consisting of a different melody. The bridge is often the high point where a song is more relaxed.
Finding Inspiration to Write a Song
If one is serious, it is good practice to carry with them a notepad as inspiration can strike at any time. Write about diverse topics, not just about one theme, such as love. Every songwriter works in different ways, but many find that to write a song it is best to do it in a tranquil environment, often in solitude as a clear head is required, without distraction.
Listen to some great songwriters, such as Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones or whoever it is that may provide inspiration. Listen to their lyrics, concentrate on the structure of their songs and how they have written them, lyrically and musically. Lastly, get writing! As one writes more, the process of writing a song will become clearer with each song, a songwriter will get better and better the more they write.
With these tips writing a song will be much easier. At first it may seem difficult, but with consistency of writing, practising music and playing one´s favourite singers, it will become easier in time.
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