In songwriting, you come across different terms for different sections. Verse, chorus, bridge, refrain, post-chorus, etc. But what is the difference between them? Specifically, what is the difference between the chorus and refrain?
Both the chorus and refrained are sections that repeat unchanged. In addition, both sections are typically where the title is as well as where everyone in the audience sings along. Furthermore, they come after a verse-like section. So are they the same?
Not exactly. They are a different purpose for the song. A chorus indicates the start of a new section, while a refrain indicates the conclusion/wrapping-up of the verse section back into a new one. In addition, refrains are much shorter in length than choruses.
As you are debating on how you want to structure your song, consider the purpose of each line and their function.
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