Song Sections Headers Guide by Genius Lyrics
✧ This section covers general formatting rules.
Numbering
Verses are the only tag that should be enumerated, and are labeled in ascending order: [Verse 1], [Verse 2], [Verse 3], as they differ in content. In any case where a verse is repeated, use the original header a second time.
Artist Identifiers in Headers
This section will explain when to add artist identifiers to headers and break down the process to correctly add these artist identifiers.If a song has only one artist on the track it does not need an artist identifier added unless it is a solo track on a group project.We can support adding up to 4 artists to a section in the header using this process.If there are more than 4 artists in a section then you would usually leave it unformatted as the formatting could make the lyrics more complicated to read.
-> How to add each type of formatting✧ Similar to how paragraphs are the body of a letter or essay, the Verse is like a stanza in poetry. The length is usually larger than the rest of the components. Though not all Verses have a rhyme scheme, it is characteristic for Verses to follow a 'AABB' or 'ABAB' format. -> Click here for examples.
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Chorus
An independent section which is usually repeated, with identical harmonic and melodic structure. The lyrics of the Chorus often contain the song's lyrical hook, which serves to make the tune more recognizable and, in many cases, coerce the audience to sing along. It is worthwhile noting that both the Chorus and Pre-Chorus can be exchanged for Drop and Pre-Drop, respectively, for electronic tracks. -> Click here for examples.
Hook
Genius no longer uses the [Hook] tag. If a section is labeled as [Hook], edit the lyrics or submit a lyric proposal to change it to [Chorus] or [Refrain].
Refrain
A Refrain is a line or set of lines that repeat at the end of each Verse. The refrain can often be confused with the Chorus. A Refrain is a repeated section of the verse. A Chorus (or a Pre-Chorus) will have a distinct change in "feel" that separates itself from the Verse. In fact, many songs with a refrain do NOT have a chorus; of course, there are always exceptions. -> Click here for examples.
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Bridge
Essentially there is a point in song when it completely changes, sounding both melodically and/or lyrically different before it transitions back into original form. It can appear anywhere and rarely appears more than once. -> Click here for examples.
Breakdown
Often used in Metalcore, Metal, Thrash Metal, Post-Hardcore, Punk-Rock, Nu-Metal and other genres of the same family, a Breakdown is a section in which the melody changes abruptly. This change is often composed of simple but heavy guitar and bass riffs, pounding drums, and heavy screaming. This is the part of the song where headbanging is most prominent. -> Click here for examples.
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Intro
An Intro always appears at the beginning of the song or Part, though not all songs will include an Intro. They are often instrumentals with no words but sometimes there are people talking or buildup involved. Depending on the genre, there are many variations. Only add the Intro header if dialogue is present.
-> Click here for examples.
Outro
An Outro always appears at the end of the song or Part, though not all songs will include an Outro. Lyrically, the section is represented by either repeating a line as the track fades out or repeating a section of a Chorus or Verse, sometimes with a slight change in the lyrics to indicate a resolution to the song's climax. Outros can also be seemingly-random dialogue. Only add the Outro header if dialogue is present. -> Click here for examples.
Skit
While mostly occurring as their own full song, sometimes songs have a Skit in them---not to be confused with the Intro, Outro, or Interlude. If there is action in a part of the song that is separated from the beat, then it is a Skit. The key to this is action. This means something has to be happening that appears to be separate from the song. If the artist stops rapping and cuts the beat just to talk, then it is not a Skit because there is no action. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Pre-Chorus
An often-repeated, semi-independent section that appears between the Verse and Chorus. The Pre-Chorus differs both musically and lyrically from both the Verse and the Chorus, but always appears in conjunction with the Chorus. This is also colloquially referred to as the "build" or "climb." It is worthwhile noting that both the Chorus and Pre-Chorus can be exchanged for Drop and Pre-Drop, respectively, for electronic tracks. -> Click here for examples.
Post-Chorus
A semi-independent section that works inversely to the Pre-Chorus, serving to link the Chorus to a succeeding Verse. A Post-Chorus differs both musically and lyrically from the Verse, Pre-Chorus, and Chorus, but always appears in conjunction with the Chorus. On occasion, a Post-Chorus will also double as a lyrical and/or musical Outro. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Interlude
Similar to a Bridge, an Interlude is an instrumental or lyrical section which introduces a different feel than any other previous part of song. Like a Bridge, they are used to connect different sections of a song that does not follow a standard song structure. This is not to be mistaken with a Segue which connect two different songs within one track. All spoken-word Bridges are Interludes. -> Click here for examples.
Segues & Parts
A Segue is a musical, lyrical, or spoken passage that is used to connect two distinct entities---sometimes whole songs---within a single track using a non-standard structure. Only label the Segue if there is dialogue connecting two sections together.
If a song contains multiple sections, label each section with a "Part" header. Part headers are accompanied by Roman numerals in ascending order, similar to Verses. If the Parts of a song are named, include a colon followed by the name of the Part. If a song contains multiple sections, continue to number the Verses in order as if they were one continuous song. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Instrumental
Instrumentals on the other hand are when groups play without vocalists and either coordinate in symphonies or jam together.
-> Click here for examples.
Solos
Solos are Instrumental sections where a single performer shows off an improvised or written, extended melody, showcasing their talent. More often than not, a specific instrument rises above the others, hence there could be a [Guitar Solo], [Drum Solo], or [Saxophone Solo]. -> Click here for examples.
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Snippet
A Snippet is a short section of a song that is released before the full song becomes available. -> Click here for examples.
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Do NOT use these as independent headers.
Sampling/Scratches
The reuse of a sound, instrument, or recording from another artist's work that is incorporated into your work.Sampling/scratches should NOT be added as a header — instead, transcribe the audio and use whatever header is most appropriate for the part of the song that the sample/scratching occupies (In a lot of cases this is [Chorus])Lyrical samples should be transcribed and You should add the sample information into the "Song Relationships" section by editing the song facts.You can also add information about the sample into annotations or Q&A.Ad lib
An Ad lib is usually used by others in the song as a way to emphasize or accentuate something at the end of a line.Ad libs should NOT be added as a header.Ad libs are denoted as being between parenthesis and after a line.Ad libs begin with a capital letter.Collision
The overlapping vocals in a song. They usually do not last very long.Collisions should NOT be added as a header.Collisions are denoted on the site as being between parenthesis.Collisions are most common in Musicals.
Numbering
Verses are the only tag that should be enumerated, and are labeled in ascending order: [Verse 1], [Verse 2], [Verse 3], as they differ in content. In any case where a verse is repeated, use the original header a second time.
Artist Identifiers in Headers
This section will explain when to add artist identifiers to headers and break down the process to correctly add these artist identifiers.If a song has only one artist on the track it does not need an artist identifier added unless it is a solo track on a group project.We can support adding up to 4 artists to a section in the header using this process.If there are more than 4 artists in a section then you would usually leave it unformatted as the formatting could make the lyrics more complicated to read.
-> How to add each type of formatting✧ Similar to how paragraphs are the body of a letter or essay, the Verse is like a stanza in poetry. The length is usually larger than the rest of the components. Though not all Verses have a rhyme scheme, it is characteristic for Verses to follow a 'AABB' or 'ABAB' format. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Chorus
An independent section which is usually repeated, with identical harmonic and melodic structure. The lyrics of the Chorus often contain the song's lyrical hook, which serves to make the tune more recognizable and, in many cases, coerce the audience to sing along. It is worthwhile noting that both the Chorus and Pre-Chorus can be exchanged for Drop and Pre-Drop, respectively, for electronic tracks. -> Click here for examples.
Hook
Genius no longer uses the [Hook] tag. If a section is labeled as [Hook], edit the lyrics or submit a lyric proposal to change it to [Chorus] or [Refrain].
Refrain
A Refrain is a line or set of lines that repeat at the end of each Verse. The refrain can often be confused with the Chorus. A Refrain is a repeated section of the verse. A Chorus (or a Pre-Chorus) will have a distinct change in "feel" that separates itself from the Verse. In fact, many songs with a refrain do NOT have a chorus; of course, there are always exceptions. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Bridge
Essentially there is a point in song when it completely changes, sounding both melodically and/or lyrically different before it transitions back into original form. It can appear anywhere and rarely appears more than once. -> Click here for examples.
Breakdown
Often used in Metalcore, Metal, Thrash Metal, Post-Hardcore, Punk-Rock, Nu-Metal and other genres of the same family, a Breakdown is a section in which the melody changes abruptly. This change is often composed of simple but heavy guitar and bass riffs, pounding drums, and heavy screaming. This is the part of the song where headbanging is most prominent. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Intro
An Intro always appears at the beginning of the song or Part, though not all songs will include an Intro. They are often instrumentals with no words but sometimes there are people talking or buildup involved. Depending on the genre, there are many variations. Only add the Intro header if dialogue is present.
-> Click here for examples.
Outro
An Outro always appears at the end of the song or Part, though not all songs will include an Outro. Lyrically, the section is represented by either repeating a line as the track fades out or repeating a section of a Chorus or Verse, sometimes with a slight change in the lyrics to indicate a resolution to the song's climax. Outros can also be seemingly-random dialogue. Only add the Outro header if dialogue is present. -> Click here for examples.
Skit
While mostly occurring as their own full song, sometimes songs have a Skit in them---not to be confused with the Intro, Outro, or Interlude. If there is action in a part of the song that is separated from the beat, then it is a Skit. The key to this is action. This means something has to be happening that appears to be separate from the song. If the artist stops rapping and cuts the beat just to talk, then it is not a Skit because there is no action. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Pre-Chorus
An often-repeated, semi-independent section that appears between the Verse and Chorus. The Pre-Chorus differs both musically and lyrically from both the Verse and the Chorus, but always appears in conjunction with the Chorus. This is also colloquially referred to as the "build" or "climb." It is worthwhile noting that both the Chorus and Pre-Chorus can be exchanged for Drop and Pre-Drop, respectively, for electronic tracks. -> Click here for examples.
Post-Chorus
A semi-independent section that works inversely to the Pre-Chorus, serving to link the Chorus to a succeeding Verse. A Post-Chorus differs both musically and lyrically from the Verse, Pre-Chorus, and Chorus, but always appears in conjunction with the Chorus. On occasion, a Post-Chorus will also double as a lyrical and/or musical Outro. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Interlude
Similar to a Bridge, an Interlude is an instrumental or lyrical section which introduces a different feel than any other previous part of song. Like a Bridge, they are used to connect different sections of a song that does not follow a standard song structure. This is not to be mistaken with a Segue which connect two different songs within one track. All spoken-word Bridges are Interludes. -> Click here for examples.
Segues & Parts
A Segue is a musical, lyrical, or spoken passage that is used to connect two distinct entities---sometimes whole songs---within a single track using a non-standard structure. Only label the Segue if there is dialogue connecting two sections together.
If a song contains multiple sections, label each section with a "Part" header. Part headers are accompanied by Roman numerals in ascending order, similar to Verses. If the Parts of a song are named, include a colon followed by the name of the Part. If a song contains multiple sections, continue to number the Verses in order as if they were one continuous song. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Instrumental
Instrumentals on the other hand are when groups play without vocalists and either coordinate in symphonies or jam together.
-> Click here for examples.
Solos
Solos are Instrumental sections where a single performer shows off an improvised or written, extended melody, showcasing their talent. More often than not, a specific instrument rises above the others, hence there could be a [Guitar Solo], [Drum Solo], or [Saxophone Solo]. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Snippet
A Snippet is a short section of a song that is released before the full song becomes available. -> Click here for examples.
✧
Do NOT use these as independent headers.
Sampling/Scratches
The reuse of a sound, instrument, or recording from another artist's work that is incorporated into your work.Sampling/scratches should NOT be added as a header — instead, transcribe the audio and use whatever header is most appropriate for the part of the song that the sample/scratching occupies (In a lot of cases this is [Chorus])Lyrical samples should be transcribed and You should add the sample information into the "Song Relationships" section by editing the song facts.You can also add information about the sample into annotations or Q&A.Ad lib
An Ad lib is usually used by others in the song as a way to emphasize or accentuate something at the end of a line.Ad libs should NOT be added as a header.Ad libs are denoted as being between parenthesis and after a line.Ad libs begin with a capital letter.Collision
The overlapping vocals in a song. They usually do not last very long.Collisions should NOT be added as a header.Collisions are denoted on the site as being between parenthesis.Collisions are most common in Musicals.