Common Song Structures

You are free to place the elements of your song in any order you like. However, when you write a song within the constraints of one of the commonly used song structures, you make it easier for listeners to follow your song and to enjoy it.

Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus

In the Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus structure, or the ABAB structure, the first verse introduces the plot of the song.

The lyrics introduce the listener to the characters and to the situation that they are in and tell the listener about the singer's attitude toward what is happening.

The chorus summarizes the song and contains the song title.

The second verse continues the story.

The title is usually not included in the verses.

The verses may have a pre-chorus, but that is optional.

Verse-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus

The Verse-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus (AABAB) structure adds an additional verse before the first chorus. It gives the listener more time to get involved in the story before hearing the chorus.

Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus

This structure, also known as ABABAB, is similar to the Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus structure, except there are three verses and choruses, rather than two.

Each verse moves the story along further.

It is very difficult to write good songs with this structure, because if the story that is told in the verses goes on for a long time and is not very interesting, the song can become boring for the listener.

Candle in the Wind by Elton John and Bernie Taupin uses this structure

Verse-Verse-Verse

At first, it may seem like it would be very easy to write a song using the verse-verse-verse (AAA) structure, because you only have to write music for one verse. All the verses have the same melody, and there are no other elements, such as a chorus or a bridge.

However, for the Verse-Verse-Verse form to be effective, the story that is told by the lyrics must be extremely interesting. There are no changes in the music that can help to hold the listener's interest. The listener must have a strong desire to move on to the next verse in order to find out what happens next.

Folk songs often use the Verse-Verse-Verse structure

Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan is a good example of a Verse-Verse-Verse song.

Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus

The Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus structure is also known as the ABABCB structure.

As with the ABAB structure, the first verse introduces the story and the second verse adds to it.

However, a bridge, which introduces new music and a new angle to the story, follows the second verse.

A third chorus then follows the bridge.

Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse

The Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse (AABA) structure does not have a chorus.

The song title is usually found in the first line or the last line of each verse.

The first verse introduces the story and the second verse adds new information and moves the plot along.

A bridge follows the second verse.

The third verse ties up the elements of the story and often provides a sense of resolution.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz is a classic example of a song with a Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse structure.

Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse-Bridge-Verse

The Verse-Verse-Bridge-Verse-Bridge-Verse (AABABA) structure resembles the Verse-Verse-Bridge-Structure, except that there is an additional bridge and an additional verse.

The two bridges can have the same lyrics or different lyrics.

The final verse can repeat the lyrics of the first verse or have its own lyrics.

The Beatles often used this structure in their songs, for example, in the song Yesterday.