Poetry

 4 lines

occasion 5

2 word  extension on some

 

Here's a typical structure for a contemporary gospel music song:

Intro (Instrumental)

• Sets the mood and introduces the song's musical theme.
• Can be short (a few chords) or extended with improvisation or a melody.

Verse 1

• Introduces the story, theme, or a personal reflection.
• Lyrics often focus on struggles, faith, or seeking guidance.

Pre-Chorus (Optional)

• Builds anticipation for the chorus with a change in melody or harmony.
• May introduce a key lyrical element that ties into the chorus.

Chorus

• The central message of the song, repeated multiple times.
• Often uplifting, praising God, or offering encouragement.
• Features strong vocals and participation from backing singers.

Verse 2

• Develops the story or theme further, potentially offering a solution or a shift in perspective.

Pre-Chorus (Optional) (may differ slightly from the first pre-chorus)

• Builds anticipation again, potentially with a slight variation.

Chorus

• Repeated, often with even more intensity or emotion.

Bridge (Optional)

• A section that contrasts with the previous parts, offering a musical and lyrical shift.
• May feature a key change, stripped-down instrumentation, or a personal testimony.
• Can lead back to the chorus or introduce a new section.

Instrumental Section (Optional)

• A chance for improvisation, featuring solos or showcasing the musicality of the band.
• May include snippets of lyrics or vocal riffs.

Chorus

• Repeated multiple times again, often with the most energy and emotion.
• May have extended improvisation or audience participation (call and response).

Outro (Instrumental)

• Gradually brings the song to a close, reinforcing the central message.
• Can be a simple fade-out or a more elaborate instrumental section.

Additional points to note:

• Contemporary gospel music often borrows elements from other genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop.
• Repetition is a key feature, emphasizing the core message and creating a sense of community through shared singing.
• Call and response between the lead singer and the choir or audience is common, fostering participation and building energy.

Structure of a Typical Contemporary Southern Gospel Song:

1. Intro (Instrumental)

• Instrumental introduction sets the mood and style of the song.
• Often uses piano, guitar, drums, and sometimes elements of country music.
• Can be short (a few bars) or extended with a focus on improvisation.

2. Verse 1

• Introduces the story or situation.
• Lyrics often deal with themes of faith, struggle, and hope.
• Sung by a single vocalist or a small group.

3. Chorus

• The heart of the song, containing the main message or theme.
• Catchy melody and lyrics designed for audience participation.
• Repeated multiple times throughout the song.
• Often features strong harmonies and background vocals.

4. Verse 2

• Develops the story or situation further.
• May introduce a contrasting viewpoint or offer a deeper reflection.

5. Chorus

• Repeated chorus reinforces the main message.

6. Bridge (Optional)

• Provides a musical and lyrical bridge between sections.
• Can offer a change of pace, introduce a new musical idea, or build anticipation for the final chorus.

7. Chorus

• The final and most powerful iteration of the chorus.
• Often features improvisation, increased energy, and audience call-and-response.

8. Outro (Instrumental)

• Instrumental section that concludes the song.
• Similar instruments to the intro, but can be extended with a focus on emotional impact.

Additional Notes:

• Contemporary southern gospel may incorporate elements of other genres like pop, rock, or country.
• The song structure can be flexible, with some songs omitting the bridge or adding additional verses.
• Instrumental solos (piano, guitar) are common and often featured during the bridge or outro.

This is a general outline, and variations exist. However, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the structure of a typical contemporary southern gospel song.

Structure of a Typical Contemporary Country Music Song

Contemporary country music often follows a listener-friendly structure that prioritizes clear storytelling and catchy melodies. Here's a breakdown of the common elements:

1. Intro (Optional):

• A short instrumental introduction (usually under 10 seconds) to set the mood and establish the song's instrumentation. This could involve acoustic guitar picking, a fiddle riff, or a drum beat.

2. Verse 1:

• Introduces the characters, setting, and the beginning of the story.
• Typically 4-8 lines sung over a specific chord progression.

3. Pre-Chorus (Optional):

• A short section (2-4 lines) that builds tension or anticipation before the chorus.
• May introduce a new musical element or a change in chords.

4. Chorus:

• The heart of the song, containing the main message or theme.
• Repeated throughout the song, often the most catchy part.
• Usually 4-8 lines with a strong melody and memorable lyrics.

5. Verse 2:

• Continues the story, providing more details or introducing a conflict.
• Often uses the same melody and chord progression as Verse 1.

6. Pre-Chorus (Optional):

• Similar to the first pre-chorus, building anticipation before the next chorus.

7. Chorus:

• The chorus is repeated, potentially with slight variations in instrumentation or vocals.

8. Bridge:

• A contrasting section (8-16 lines) that introduces a new musical idea or lyrical perspective.
• Often used to offer a turning point in the story or provide deeper insight into the characters' emotions.

9. Chorus:

• The chorus returns, often sung with more intensity or emotion than before. This is the emotional climax of the song.

10. Outro (Optional):

• A short instrumental section (under 10 seconds) that brings the song to a close.
• May feature a fading melody or a final strum of the acoustic guitar.

Additional Notes:

• Contemporary country music can sometimes deviate from this structure.
• Some songs may eliminate the pre-chorus or bridge, while others might have extended instrumental sections.
• The focus remains on strong storytelling, relatable lyrics, and a catchy melody that resonates with listeners.

 

Structure of a Typical Poem

While there are many creative forms that poems can take, there are some common structural elements found in many poems:

1. Lines: The basic unit of a poem is a line, similar to a sentence in prose. Lines can vary in length and can create rhythm and imagery.

2. Stanzas: Stanzas are groups of lines that function together like paragraphs in prose. They create a unit of meaning and can be of various lengths. Some common stanza types include:

• Couplet (2 lines)
• Tercet (3 lines)
• Quatrain (4 lines)
• Limerick (5 lines with a specific rhyme scheme)
• Sonnet (14 lines with a specific rhyme scheme)

3. Rhyme Scheme: This refers to the pattern of rhyming sounds at the ends of lines. Rhyme schemes can be simple (AABB) or complex (ABAB CDCD). Some poems may not have any rhyme at all.

4. Meter: Meter is the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line. It can create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. Some common meters include iambic pentameter (five iambs per line, an iamb being an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable). Not all poems have a strict meter.

5. Figurative Language: This refers to the use of words in a non-literal way to add meaning and depth to the poem. Examples include metaphors, similes, personification, and symbolism.

6. Form: Some poems follow specific forms with set structures, rhyme schemes, and meters (like sonnets or haikus). Free verse poems have less structure and allow for more creativity.

Remember: This is a general outline, and many poems will deviate from this structure. The most important thing is that the poem uses language in a creative way to convey an idea, feeling, or story.