Verse and Chorus

Most songs that you have heard have parts that are called verse and chorus. Each plays an important part in a song to provide the main idea and details through lyrics, and to build tension and resolution musically.


Verses:

  • Usually happen after the introduction of a song. If there is a singer/rapper it is what they usually sing first.

  • Details / Tells the story / background information

  • Melody repeats but the lyrics change every time there is a new verse (usually).

  • Usually sung by one person (if the chorus has a group of singers).

  • Usually has a mellower feel to it than the chorus.


Choruses:

  • Repeats the same every time.

  • Often contains the title of the song.

  • Often has many people singing the melody.

  • Contains the main idea of the song.

  • Most memorable part.

  • Provides the message of the song

As an example, the song "Thank u, next" by Ariana Grande shows how the verses and choruses follow what is described above.


Verse 1:

Thought I'd end up with SeanBut he wasn't a matchWrote some songs about RickyNow I listen and laughEven almost got marriedAnd for Pete, I'm so thankfulWish I could say, "Thank you" to Malcolm'Cause he was an angelOne taught me loveOne taught me patienceAnd one taught me painNow, I'm so amazingI've loved and I've lostBut that's not what I seeSo, look what I gotLook what you taught meAnd for that, I say

This section:

  • comes right in after the introduction

  • gives the details of all her exes and what happened with them and what she learned.

  • is sung by one person

  • has a mellower vibe than the chorus (up next).


Chorus:

Thank you, next (next)Thank you, next (next)Thank you, nextI'm so grateful for my exThank you, next (next)Thank you, next (next)Thank you, next (next)I'm so

This section:

  • Is the same every time it repeats in the song

  • contains the title of the song

  • has multiple singers

  • gives the main idea of the song that are developed with details in the verses.


"The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation." Read More.

2021 U2L2: Verses and Choruses 2021