Popular Music in American Culture Exam 1 Music Theory

Music Theory and Form

Intro

The music at the beginning of a song, usually before the entrance of the singer.

Verse

 A multi-phrase section of a song which repeats with the same music, but new lyrics each time (short repeating phrases shouldn't be mistaken for verses).

Out-Chorus

The music at the end of a song.

Chorus

 A multi-phrase section of a song which repeats with the same music and lyrics each time.  Often features the "hook," the most familiar musical element of the song.

Bridge

A multi-phrase section of a song consisting of music and lyrics that are not found either in the verses or the chorus.  Connects one section of the song to another.  An "interlude" is similar.

Pre-chorus

A section of a song which repeats with the same lyrics each time, but which clearly does not include the "hook."  Used to set up the chorus.