song

A song is a short vocal composition typically featuring lyrics and a melody designed to be sung. In most traditions a song combines words with musical pitch, rhythm, and often harmony, and is performed by a vocalist, sometimes accompanied by instruments or a backing ensemble.

Core elements include lyrics, melody, rhythm, and often harmony or accompaniment. The lyrics convey meaning or story, while the melody provides the memorable tune and the rhythm governs tempo and meter. Many songs use a verse-chorus structure or refrain, though forms vary widely, from chanting and marches to tightly arranged pop or rock songs.

Types and forms of songs vary across cultures and periods. They are commonly classified as folk songs, art songs, popular songs, religious songs, or ceremonial songs. Form can be strophic, repeating the same music for each verse; through-composed, with new music for each section; or verse-chorus, featuring a recurring chorus.

History and notation: Songs have ancient roots in oral culture, functioning within storytelling, work, ritual, and entertainment. In medieval and early modern Europe, singers and composers produced both sacred and secular repertoires, with some works notated for performance. The invention of printing, followed by recording technology and mass media in the 19th and 20th centuries, expanded distribution and led to distinct genres such as lieder, cabaret, and pop songs. The digital era has further transformed songwriting, production, and sharing.

Function and significance: Songs serve entertainment, storytelling, social bonding, and cultural expression. They can reinforce or challenge social norms, convey collective memory, and travel across communities through performance, media, and education.