Common Song Structures

Think in Terms of Elements

When structuring a song, it is useful to think in terms of elements. In other words, think of your song as a single unit composed of various other modules -- verses, choruses, and bridges are examples, although the module can really be anything, and can be given any name. Once you have your elements identified, it is simply a matter of how you want to structure them.

To keep the possibilities open to allow for greater possibilities, it is useful to simply label each element as a letter. For example, the verse of a song can be called element "A." The chorus might be "B." That other part -- which maybe your own creation and hence does not fit conveniently into the cookie cutter verse-chorus song structure -- can be called "C." Clearly, the possibilities are endless.

There are, however certain common song structures that can be useful for the songwriter just starting out with cultivating his/her craft. Those are examined below.

A-B Song Structure

This is the simplest song structure, with just two elements that repeat after one another. Lyrics are often incredibly important to this song structure; often Part A will be the verse and will have different lyrics when it comes up again, while Part B is the hook that repeats the same lyrics each time Part A is completed.

Legendary songwriter Paul Simon penned perhaps the most famous song of his genre-crossing 30+ year career with the classic Simon & Garfunkel track, "Mrs. Robinson." Take a listen; note how the verse simply precedes the chorus, with this cycle repeating itself throughout the song.

Audio Clip of Mrs. Robinson:



Here is a live performance of "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel.



A-A-B-A Song Structure

This is one of the most common, if not most common, song structures used. It can be found in virtually all genres, ranging from jazz to blues to pop to adult contemporary to hip hop and more. In most cases, Part A is a verse, and Part B is the chorus.

The song "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by the Eurythmics (and later covered by Marilyn Manson) is an example of this song structure with a slight twist. The song starts off with A-A-B-A, but then goes on to add other parts and some short instrumental sections. Ultimately, the structure ends up looking like the following:

A-A-B-A-B-C-D-A-B-A-A (with a few more "A's" until it fades out at the end). Part A is the chorus of the song that contains the song's title in its lyrics, while Part B is a short interlude with some scat singing. Part C is a unique part with different lyrics, and part D is an instrumental solo.

Listen to the song by playing the clip below, which illustrates the A-A-B-A song structure.



Here is the video of the Eurythmics' song "Sweet Dreams."



A-B-C Song Structure

This is a fairly straightforward song structure. Part A can be thought of as the verse, and the setup for part B, which naturally is often a catchy, repetitive chorus that sets the theme for the song. Part C can be any other part -- perhaps a section with a different beat/melody or an instrumental section.

The song "Old Number Seven" by The Devil Makes Three is a great example of the A-B-C song structure. Part A is the verse; Part B is the chorus; Part C is an instrumental section. Take a listen to this wonderfully infectious songs by one of the best bluegrass bands out there today.



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