Writing Lyrics Part 4

A useful device, used a lot in pop songs, is to have not only verses, chorus and perhaps a bridge but to also add a refrain - a short phrase, a single line or a couple of lines which is a set of lyrics which are repeated regularly - perhaps at the end of every verse, or every chorus. This creates a ‘hook’ - possibly the first thing that sticks in the listener’s mind (or ear) and they start singing along to the hook before they learn all the lyrics. It could, of course, be made part of the chorus - but used as a separate refrain, it can be added anywhere it might increase listener engagement

For an example, listen to my song ‘I Want To be At Home at Christmas’ in the Country Songs section. This uses the title phrase regularly to create such a hook.