💭 Why Structure Matters

A song is like a small story — it needs a beginning, a middle, and an end. The structure of a song is what helps listeners feel where they are in that story. It keeps the emotion clear, the rhythm flowing, and the message memorable.

Without structure, even beautiful lyrics can feel lost. With structure, every part of your song works together — like chapters in a short film.

🎶 1. The Main Parts of a Song

🎙️ Verse — The Story

The Verse is where the story lives. It sets the scene, describes the emotions, and prepares the listener for the main message.  Each verse usually has different lyrics but the same melody.

🪶 Example:

In Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” each verse describes a different moment in the love story — dancing in the dark, listening to music, dreaming together. The verses slowly build the emotional picture.

🌟 Chorus — The Heart

The Chorus is the soul of the song — the part people remember and sing along to. It repeats several times with the same melody and usually contains the main message or title.

🪶 Example:

In “Shape of You,” the repeated line “I’m in love with the shape of you” is the chorus.
It’s catchy, emotional, and instantly recognizable.💡 Think of the Chorus as your emotional headline.

🌉 Bridge — The Turning Point

The Bridge comes after the second chorus and adds variety. It often changes the melody or emotional tone — sometimes softer, sometimes more powerful. The Bridge helps the song avoid feeling repetitive and adds a “fresh wave” before the final chorus.

🪶 Example:

In “Someone Like You” by Adele, the bridge adds a deeper emotion — a quiet reflection before returning to the big chorus ending.

🎯 Hook — The Instant Connection

The Hook is the most memorable line or melody in your song. It can be part of the chorus or a separate catchy phrase or sound that grabs attention. A strong hook makes people want to play your song again and again.

🪶 Example:

In BTS’s “Dynamite,” the word “Dynamite!” itself is the hook — short, powerful, and instantly addictive.

💡 Tip:

Sometimes the hook is just one musical line — even without lyrics — but it must be unforgettable.

🎼 2. Why Structure Gives a Song Its Identity

Imagine building a house without rooms or walls — you’d get lost inside it. That’s what happens when a song has no structure.

Structure helps:

The listener knows where the song is going

The singer expresses emotion with balance

The writer keeps the rhythm and message aligned

It turns random lyrics into a journey — and that journey is what makes songs timeless.

🧩 3. Typical Song Structure Patterns

Most popular songs follow one of these easy patterns:

Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus

Verse → Pre-Chorus → Chorus → Verse → Pre-Chorus → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus

Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus (short form)

You don’t have to copy them exactly — but understanding them gives you control.
Once you master the basic forms, you can break the rules with purpose.

✏️ Practice Exercise

Choose one of your lyrics or write a few new lines. Mark each part as Verse, Chorus, or Bridge. Then read it aloud and see if the song feels balanced. If it flows naturally and the chorus stands out — you’ve found your structure! 🎶

🎓 Next Lesson → “Finding Your Idea”

You’ll learn how to discover inspiration from daily life and turn real emotions into original song ideas.