Chorus of a song: how to write a memorable chorus

A great song is always a sum of its parts. However, if there is one part of the song’s structure that is the highlight for most people, it’s the chorus. That’s why writing a memorable and catchy chorus is crucial for getting a song stuck in your listener’s head. This is easier said than done!

What is the chorus of a song?

The chorus is the part of a song that is usually repeated at least once. In the structure of the song, the chorus often occurs between verses, and it can come after a shorter section known as a pre-chorus. The lyrics of a chorus tend to stay the same between repetitions, whereas the song’s verse is the part that is used for storytelling and introduces new lyrics with the same melody.

Many consider the chorus the best and most memorable part of the song, especially in pop music. This is because it’s the song’s emotional peak and the part with the grandest vocals and the most energetic instrumentation. To accomplish this, the chorus must contrast with other parts of the song, and a short build-up can precede it. Instead of a proper intro, the song can jump straight into the chorus. You might also have noticed that the intro can feature the same music as the song’s verse or chorus, but without the vocals. If there’s not a separate outro for the song, the song can end by repeating the chorus as the music slowly fades out.

Does every song have a chorus?

While most songs have a chorus, there are many songs without one. Although the chorus is an important part of the song structure, you can write a song without a chorus. Some songs with more elaborate and unusual structures may leave out the chorus completely. Examples of songs without a chorus include “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath, and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles.

What is the difference between a chorus and a refrain?

The chorus is sometimes referred to as the refrain. Depending on how you define the term, “refrain” can be used interchangeably with “chorus.” A refrain can also refer to the lyrics repeated during the chorus. In other words, a chorus is the entire repeated section of a song, whereas a refrain refers to a line of lyrics repeated during the chorus. However, the refrain (when referring to repeated lyrics) can be used outside of the chorus as well, such as in the verse.

What is the difference between a chorus and a pre-chorus?

As mentioned, the chorus may come after a shorter section that acts as a build-up to the more energetic chorus. This section is known as the pre-chorus. In addition to building up toward the chorus, the pre-chorus can let the listener know that the chorus is about to start. This is a great way to get the listener excited for the next section.

In some cases, moving from the verse straight into the chorus might seem too abrupt. The pre-chorus provides a smoother transition between the different parts of the song. A pre-chorus may be necessary, especially if the verse and the chorus share the same chord progression. Without a pre-chorus in between the two, the song may seem too repetitive.

What is a hook?

In addition to a refrain, the term “hook” can cause some confusion. It can be used interchangeably with chorus and refrain. However, a song’s hook is a bit more specific. Again, the chorus is an entire section of a song, whereas the hook is a specific element of the song that catches the listener’s ear — like a hook catching a fish.

The confusion between a hook and a chorus arises from the fact that the hook often takes place during the song’s chorus. The hook can be a vocal or instrumental melody or a line of lyrics, for instance. If a single part of a song gets stuck in your head, it’s most likely the hook.

How to write a memorable chorus

Now that you understand what a chorus is, you might want to try writing one yourself! Every song is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to craft a memorable chorus. If you need some inspiration, here are five simple steps to get started:

1. Define your song’s core message. The chorus often represents the entire song, so it’s crucial to establish the main idea. You can start brainstorming words related to the song’s main theme, write down emotions you want to evoke in your listeners, or even draft the initial verse guiding you into the chorus.
2. Find a catchy rhythm or chord progression. Once you have an idea of the song’s theme, you can start building the basic musical elements of your chorus structure. For pop songs, this could be a simple chord progression. If you’re composing a rap song, it could be a beat. Remember that the verse and the chorus can share the same chord progression, especially for beginners.
3. Build a melody that complements the rhythm. Start by humming or singing different tunes over the rhythm until something clicks. Experiment with various pitches and note sequences to find a melody that is both memorable and expresses your song’s core message. This melody will be the backbone of your chorus, so ensure it is engaging and resonates with the emotions you want to convey.
4. Compose lyrics that align with the song’s core message. With a solid melody in place, you can begin writing the lyrics for your chorus. Focus on crafting words that reflect the main idea of your song. Ensure that the words flow naturally with the melody, paying attention to the rhythm to maintain a smooth and cohesive sound. You may need to experiment with different lyrics to find the perfect fit for the melody.
5. Incorporate rhyme and repetition to create a memorable chorus. The key to making your chorus stick in the listener’s mind is to use rhyme and repetition strategically. Repetition reinforces the core message and makes the chorus easier to remember, while rhymes add a pleasing musical quality. Consider repeating certain lines or phrases, and choose words that rhyme or have similar sounds to create a catchy and harmonious effect.

Writing a chorus requires time and patience, especially if it’s your first attempt. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and let your work rest for a while if you get stuck. If you need help with the song structure, check out our guide on basic song structure to kickstart your songwriting journey.

Learn about song structure and singing with Yousician

Writing a memorable chorus or a catchy hook is only one part of songwriting. Learning about song structure is something that all skilled songwriters need. You can find inspiration for your songwriting from Yousician’s extensive library of popular songs. If you’d like to practice singing your own songs, our interactive singing lessons can help you easily improve your vocal skills.