Creating a Chorus

The Next Step

Now that we’ve spoken about Verses, its time to move onto the next (and arguably most important) part of the song structure- the Chorus!

Almost all genres of songwriting have the use of a chorus in common, from Jazz to Rock and Roll. They are often the most melodically catchy part of the song, the bit that you always want to sing along to.

What makes a Chorus so Catchy?

Choruses almost always have the same melody and the same lyrics. Since a chorus is often repeated at least twice in most common song structures, the repetition helps to get the chorus settled into memory.

One way to make sure your chorus is memorable is to not overcomplicate it. Create 1 or 2 simple Motifs and build from there. It is often the simplest choruses that are the most memorable!

For those who don’t know what a Motif is, Tunecore defines it as ‘A short musical idea that is used to build up phrases, melodies, riffs and grooves.’

Where Should the Chorus Go?

Where do you place a chorus in the song? There are so many options that below are some structures frequently used to help you decide:

• AABA– This structure is Commonly Used in Jazz Standards. The chorus is sung, then repeated, followed by a verse and then a final chorus with variations.
• After each Verse- An incredible common place to put Choruses is after each verse, creating an ABABAB type structure
• At the start and before each verse- the reverse of the above, sometimes starting with the chorus is the way to go
• After a pre-chorus– Pre-choruses are something we will go into in a future post, but they are usually 2-4 lines that come (as the name suggests) before the chorus!

Using the Chorus to Sing the Title

One of the biggest uses of a chorus, is to bring the title into the lyrics. This adds to the ‘Memorable’ factor of the song as you get the title stuck in your head.

Much like the placing of the chorus, there are a few different places you can place the title. Here are some examples.

• 1st Line- Often, songs have the title in the first line of the chorus. One such example is Alarm by Anne-Marie
  • The Chorus goes as follows: And there goes the alarm ringing in my head, Like somebody said, “don’t you trust him, no, Texting from his ex, what did you expect? Now you’re lying here knowing where he goes… etc
• Book Ending– This is where the title is present in the first and last lines, encompassing the chorus like- well- book ends! An example of this is I Am The Fire– by Halestorm
  • The Chorus goes: I am the fire, I am burning brighter, Roaring like a storm, And I am the one I’ve been waiting for, Screaming like a siren, Alive and burning brighter, I am the fire.
• AABA- In many songs, the title features in the first two lines as well as the last. A well known example of this technique is the song You Raise Me Up
  • Here is the technique in action: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up to walk on stormy seas, I am strong when I am on your shoulders, You raise me up to more than I can be.
• Final Line: Many songs save the title for the final line of the chorus, putting emphasis on it to get it really stuck in your head. I Prevail use this technique in their song My Heart I Surrender.
  • Will our stars ever align?, Will two hearts, beat in time? These words you should always remember, To you, my heart I surrender Chasing love that can never be mine Maybe one day you’ll realize These words you should always remember, To you, my heart I surrender.

Using These Techniques

Using everything I’ve learnt above, I am going to write 4 variations of a chorus, each with the title being places in one of the 4 scenarios. As far as lyrics go, I’m sat outside as I write this so I will use that as my inspiration.

The title of the ‘song’ will be Sunshine

Chorus 1: First Line

I see Sunshine through the trees,

Hear the birds and hear the bees,

There are no clouds in the sky,

Nothing but the summer breeze.

Chorus 2: AABA

I see Sunshine in the Sky,

I’ve Got Sunshine in my Eyes,

Even on the cloudy days,

There’s Sunshine when you’re with me.

Chorus 3: Book Ending

I see Sunshine through the trees,

Hear the birds and hear the bees,

Nothing but the summer breeze,

I see Sunshine through the trees.

Chorus 4: Final Line

The sky’s always blue,

Because you are mine,

There’s no clouds in sight

‘Cause you’re my Sunshine.

Whist slightly basic (and a tag cringey) the 4 choruses above showcase how to use the title techniques.

Try them out when you’re next writing lyrics and see which one works to make your song the most memorable.

Thanks for reading everyone, happy songwriting!

Artemis x