These examples use either a strophic or AABA form.
(Instructor Note: The instructor anthology sorts these into Simple Verse and AABA sections and includes solutions with form diagrams).
Amy Winehouse, “Love Is a Losing Game,” from Back to Black (2012)
Ben E. King, “I (Who Have Nothing)” (Rerecorded), from The Love Album (1995)
Bob Dylan, “Blowin' in the Wind,” from Free Wheeling Bob Dylan (1963)
Brandi Carlile “The Mother,” from By the Way, I Forgive You (2018)
Elvis Costello, “She,” from Notting Hill: Music from the Motion Picture (1999)
Fanny, “Blind Alley,” from Fanny Hill (1972)
Jimi Hendrix, “Hey Joe,” from Are You Experienced (1967)
John Mayer, “Something Like Olivia,” from Born and Raised (2012)
Norman Greenbaum, “Spirit in the Sky,” from Spirit in the Sky (1969)
Of Monsters and Men, “Yellow Light,” from My Head Is An Animal (2011)
Patsy Cline, “Crazy,” from Showcase (1961)
Radiohead, “Pyramid Song,” from Amnesiac (2001)
Ray Charles, “Drown in My Own Tears,” from Ray Charles (1957)
Simon and Garfunkel, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” from Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." (1964)
The Beach Boys, “Surfer Girl,” from Surfer Girl (1963)
The Beatles, “All My Loving,” from With the Beatles (1963)
These examples use a verse-chorus form. Some include pre-choruses, bridges, intros, outros, and interludes.
(Instructor Note: The instructor anthology includes solutions with form diagrams).
** See this spreadsheet for an additional list of song examples that use verse-chorus form for practice diagramming song form.
Alicia Keys, “If I Ain't Got You,” from The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003)
Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?,” from Barbie: The Album (2023)
Billy Joel, “And So It Goes,” from Storm Front (1989)
Brandi Carlile, “Right On Time,” from In These Silent Days (2021)
Beyoncé, “Texas Hold 'Em,” from Renaissance Act II (2024)
Childish Gambino, “Terrified,” from Awaken My Love (2016)
Christina Aguilera, “Reflection,” from the film Mulan (1999)
Dua Lipa, “Levitating,” from Future Nostalgia (2020)
Elton John, “Tiny Dancer,” from Madman Across the Water (1971)
Fleetwood Mac, “Go Your Own Way,” from Rumors (1977)
Fleetwood Mac, “Little Lies,” from Tango in the Night (1987)
Janelle Monáe, “Make Me Feel,” from Dirty Computer (2018)
Harry Styles, “As It Was,” from Harry's House (2022)
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” single (2024)
Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline,” from Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show (1969)
P!nk ft. Nate Ruess, “Just Give Me a Reason,” from The Truth About Love (2012)
Queen, “We Will Rock You,” from News of the World (1977)
R.E.M., “Everybody Hurts,” from Automatic for the People (1992)
Taylor Swift, “Love Story,” from Fearless (2008)
Whitney Houston, “I Have Nothing,” from The Bodyguard: The Original Soundtrack Album (1992)
Yale Musical Examples Database: See the "Form" tab at the bottom.