Yes, I agree with you. The pop song is shorter than the country song. Here are my compiled answers from responses to this first FAQ: I answered it in two parts. This is a trial run. Looking for feedback.


Where can I learn about proper lyric/song structure?

A) What is song structure

There are several categories of song structures; lyric, rhyme, melody and chord structures. Here is one of the basic lyric structures used in many pop and country songs.

A - verse 1
B - chorus
A- Verse 2
B - Chorus
C - Bridge (or verse 3)
B - Chorus

A basic rhyme structure in a verse containing 4 lines:
Rhyme the last word of lines 2 and 4
Verse 2 rhyme differs from verse 1.
The last line of the chorus is generally the hook, or punchline of the song.

Study song lyrics of hit songs and you will often see this structure.

You may also see an additional line or two between the verse and chorus. This is the lift, meant to carry the power of the song upward into the chorus.

This is only one of many song forms. We highly recommend you study a good book on the subject.

After understanding song form basics, conceptual form is the important consideration. Keep in mind - simplify, simplify.

A country music song tells a story, framed in concrete terms of real things happening to real people. The best ones are a single complete thought without loose ends. That complete thought needs to be expressed in 3-1/2 to 5 minutes.
A pop song does not always stick to a story line, but expresses an emotion, concept, or feeling. The best ones are about real things happening to real people. Pop songs generally run from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 minutes, even less time to get your point across. That is why it is important to simplify. If verse one sets up a question, answer it in verse two, don't set up another question.

If you want to be noticed, you have to provide a reason to be noticed. Song screeners literally get hives over too many cliches in a song. This is where you pull out a rhyming dictionary, or read poetry or novels and get ideas about how to say things in a different way.

B) Where can I learn about songwriting and song structure:

As far as where to learn, a lot depends on how you learn. Some folks learn best from books, others from organized classes; some like the “immersion therapy” of songwriting camps. You may learn best from watching other people. The lyric and song forums here on JPF are an excellent resource. Read lyrics and what other people say about them; try to get a handle on what people consider “good” in your chosen genre, and why.

Once you understand how to write a song by the rules, you can start to break them. Say something new, or say something old in a new way. Change the structure, use structures you are unfamiliar with. AAA, AABA, AAAC. Look them up. Try them on. Break them completely. See what happens.

Book recommendations:
The Craft and Business of Songwriting, John Braheny
http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Business-Songwriting-3rd-Edition/dp/1582974667

Writing Better Lyrics, Pat Pattison
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Better-Lyrics-Pat-Pattison/dp/1582975779/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Songwriting, A complete Guide to the Craft, Stephen Citron

http://www.amazon.com/Songwriting-C...&keywords=Songwriting+Stephen+Citron








Last edited by Judy Hughes; 08/08/13 05:27 PM.
Judy