01 Jan Basic Songwriting Structure Explained

Posted at 03:40h in The Writer's Block, Workshops by
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The basic structure of a song is usually:
  • Intro
  • Verse
  • Pre-Hook or B-Section
  • Hook
  • Verse 2
  • Pre-Hook or B-Section
  • Hook
  • Bridge
  • Hook
  • Vamp (to fade out)
Intro:
The intro usually is just the music with a few adlibs or even a chant to set you up for the verse. This is normally written in 4 counts.
Verse(s):
The lyrics basically tell the story of what the song is about. It goes into detail, usually recapping events or explaining the story. This is normally written in 8 counts.
Pre-Hook or B-Section:
This section is often repeated and heightens the topic of the song. Usually the key of the music will change in sound and there will be more instruments that build up before the actual hook comes. In this light, the lyrics do the same. They are even more detailed usually declaring the emotion behind the topic of the song. This is normally written in 8 counts.
Hook: The hook is usually the first part of the song that “hooks” you when you first hear it, hence the name. You remember the melody or words first and it repeats more than any of the other sections. This is the overall declaration of the song. The lyrics are concise, straight to the point, and catchy to the ear. This is normally written in 8 counts.
Bridge: The bridge is by far the most dramatic of the sections, it elaborates more on the concept, changing with the music, it also gives you an in depth look into the passion behind the song. Usually the vocals build, the lyrics get more transparent and climax’s the song for the very last time, before it brings you back to the hook. This is normally written in 8 counts.
Vamp: The vamp can be a combination of both the hook and adlibs, or maybe a chant that repeats consecutively throughout the end until the song fades. I call it the “final stamp” that is catchy as well to the ear, that wraps up the song signaling that it’s about to end.
A song I can think of with this similar structure is Beyonce’s #1 Hit Irreplaceable, which was penned by Ne-Yo and Sean Garrett. I believe that this structure, along with the simple lyrics and catchy phrases helped this song to become the 2nd biggest song of Beyonce’s career.
Watch the video below and check out the labeled sections for the lyrics to see what I mean!

INTRO:(4 counts)

To the left
To the left
To the left
To the left

VERSE: (8 counts)
Mmmm to the left, to the left
Everything you own in the box to the left
In the closet, that’s my stuff
Yes, if I bought it, baby, please don’t touch (don’t touch)

And keep talking that mess, thats fine
Could you walk and talk, at the same time?
And it’s my name thats on that jag
So go move your bags, let me call you a cab

PRE-HOOK: (4 counts)
Standing in the front yard, telling me
How I’m such a fool, talking ’bout
How I’ll never ever find a man like you
You got me twisted

HOOK: (8 counts)
You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he’ll be here in a minute (baby)

You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you by tomorrow
So don’t you ever for a second get to thinkin’
You’re irreplaceable?

VERSE 2: (8 counts)
So go ahead and get gone
Call up that chick, and see if shes home
Oops I bet you thought, that I didn’t know
What did you think
I was putting you out for?
Because you was untrue
Rolling her around in the car that I bought you
Baby, drop them keys
Hurry up, before your taxi leaves

PRE-HOOK: (4 counts)

Standing in the front yard, telling me
How I’m such a fool, talking ’bout
How I’ll never ever find a man like you
You got me twisted

HOOK: (8 counts)
You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he’ll be here in a minute (baby)

You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I will have another you by tomorrow
So don’t you ever for a second get to thinkin’
You’re irreplaceable (irreplaceable)?

BRIDGE: (8 counts)
So since I’m not your everything (irreplaceable)
How about I’ll be nothing (nothing)? Nothing at all to you (nothing, nothing)
Baby I won’t shed a tear for you (I won’t shed a tear for you)
I won’t lose a wink of sleep (a wink of sleep)
‘Cause the truth of the matter is (truth is)
Replacing you is so easy

CHANT ( 8 Counts similar to the INTRO with dramatic build)
To the left, to the left.
To the left, to the left.
Mmmmm
To the left, to the left.
Everything you own in the box to the left

To the left, to the left.
Don’t you ever for a second get to thinking
You’re irreplaceable?

HOOK (8 counts)
You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he’ll be here in a minute (baby)

You must not know ’bout me
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you by tomorrow
So don’t you ever for a second get to thinkin’?
You must not know ’bout me (baby)
You must not know ’bout me
I can have another you in a minute
Matter fact, he’ll be here in a minute

VAMP ( 8 counts)
You can pack all your bags we’re finished (you must not know ’bout me)
‘Cause you made your bed now lay in it (you must not know ’bout me)
I could have another you by tomorrow
Don’t you ever for a second get to thinkin’
You’re irreplaceable?

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