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How to Study a Lyric's Form

The structure in music is not always apparent to the average listener - even trained instrumentalists may be unaware of framework considerations. There are a couple of standard forms, though, that are used in songwriting.

Things You'll Need

  • Lyric Books
  • CD Players
  • Headsets
  • Stereos
  • Armchairs
  • CDs
  • Paper And Pencils
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin with the most common form in popular music, the "ternary song form." We think of this as A A B A. (Let's use Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" as an example.)

    • 2

      Look at the initial musical statement, A. This is usually eight measures (bars) long. (This ends after the first "Anything goes.")

    • 3

      Examine the second A. It's an exact, eight-measure repeat of the music in the first A, but the lyric continues to move along. (This brings us to 16 measures, to the end of the second "Anything goes.")

    • 4

      Note that this second A is critical in two ways: the listener's ear perceives the melodic material better after hearing it twice, and the lyricist retains the rhythm of the first A so that the musical idea is not disturbed.

    • 5

      Go on to B, the "bridge," an 8-measure departure from the musical material of the A section and its repeat. (We've now used up 24 bars, through "silly gigolos.") Listen to how the composer or lyricist departs from the rhythmic and melodic material used in the A sections to draw the listener's ear away from familiar ground and establish a fresh idea.

    • 6

      Finish with A in the final eight-measure section. This is a return home to the familiarity of the beginning melody and rhythm - leaving the wilderness of the bridge. (This brings us past the third and final "Anything goes.")

    • 7

      Note how this A A B A form seems deceptively simple. In fact, it can be quite intriguing in the hands of a master composer-lyricist like Cole Porter.

    • 8

      Study another common, basic form - A B A C. Analyze "Gigi," with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. "Gigi" is written in this form.

    • 9

      Make an intensive study of other lyricists and other styles. Although creating a song is a very personal endeavor, you will increase the colors on your own palette and foster the growth of your own versatility by doing so.

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