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 sayThis 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 soThis 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.