As a songwriter, it’s easy to get caught up in the familiar verse-chorus structure of songwriting. However, sometimes stepping outside of that box can lead to truly unique and memorable songs. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to write a song without a chorus.
1. Verse Only
One structure to consider is the “verse only” approach. This structure involves repeating verses without a chorus, but adding a bridge or instrumental section to break up the repetition. An example of this structure can be found in the song “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. The song’s verses are sung with the same melody and similar lyrics each time, but there are different sections that keeps the song interesting with no clear bridge.
2. ABA Structure
Another structure to consider is the “ABA” structure, which is often used in jazz and musical theater songs. In this structure, the first section is sung, followed by a contrasting section, and then the first section is repeated again. An example of this structure can be found in the song “Someone to Watch Over Me” by George Gershwin.
3. AABA Structure
Likewise, another popular structure is the AABA structure, which features two contrasting sections followed by a repeated bridge section. This structure is commonly used in jazz music, but has been used in pop as well, such as in the classic song “Misty” by Erroll Garner.
4. Through-composed
Another option is the “through-composed” structure, which involves having unique music and lyrics for each section of the song. This structure is often used in musical theater and can be found in songs like “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked.
When writing a song without a chorus, it’s important to consider how the lyrics and melody can create a sense of unity and cohesiveness. One way to do this is to use a repeated musical motif throughout the song, as in “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel.
Some other popular songs without a chorus include “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M., and “Everybody Dies” by Billie Eillish.
Ultimately, the key for how to write a song without a chorus is to experiment and find the structure that best suits your message and style. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different, and let your creativity lead the way. With these alternative song structures and a little experimentation, you’ll be able to create unique and memorable songs that break the mold of traditional songwriting.
