Song Lyrics

Paraphrasing
Definition
• A song is a single (and often standalone) work of music intended to be
sung by the human voice with distinct and fixed pitches and patterns
using sound and silence and a variety of forms often include the
repetition of sections.
• They have been an amusing companion for human beings for as long
as or even longer than we can speak because they are highly
expressive. Some convey love and emotions ; some tell a memorable
and moving story; some embody one’s dreams and ideals; and some
reminisce about the golden past. They are abundant in themes and
expressions which will echo in the learner’s heart.
SOSIAL FUNCTION OF SONGS

• To entertain the listeners.

• To teach moral value through the lyrics of the songs.
• To provide a way of managing the relationship between our public
and private emotional life.
• To express personal feeling and cultural values.
• To give someone to not only shares their emotions with others, but
also to have an emotional connection that just can’t be experienced
in any other way.
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF SONGS

a. Intro
establishes melodic, harmonic, and/or rhythmic related to the main body of song.

b. Verse
telling the story. This is the exposition, describing the scene or the person, or an emotion. There are usually two
or three verses in a row having the same musical structure, the same rhyme and poetic meter, but different
words. The second verse builds on the picture painted in the first verse, etc.

c. Chorus or Refrain
the most repeated section, the easiest remembered. It is the summary of the song’s story. All the verses have
been leading up to the chorus, and is usually the part of the song people sing along with. It may come at the
beginning of in the middle, or come at the end of the structure of the song. Some songs don’t have choruses at
all. Some people are usually confused to differentiate between choruses and refrain. A refrain is any line that
repeats in the song lyric, while a chorus is any group of lines that repeat.
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF SONGS (2)
d. Break
It is actually a brief “rest” or “pause” for the core melody within a song used to add further dimension and
excitement. It may include a quick instrumental solo or drum interlude or it may be a brief moment of
silence, or a combination of each of these elements.

e. Bridge
This is the part of the song that shifts. It can suddenly change tempo, or volume, or instrumentation. The
bridge is the section giving the audience time to reflect on the story, or gives them the “climax” or
conclusion of the story through verses and chorus. Bridges can be used to give the singer a break.

f. Outro or Coda
The end of the road for the song. It can repeat the intro, chorus or a refrain as an outro, or a bridge with an
instrumental solo.
 How to paraphrase a song lyric
Paraphrasing, or the rewording of something written or spoken by
someone else, is a great skill to learn. Often a deeper meaning of the
work is achieved through the basic steps of paraphrasing. I have found
this to be an exciting songwriting technique when working with
individuals with special needs. Often some people have a specific artist
or group of songs that they want to listen to or perform over and over
again. For some, lyrical paraphrasing is a great way to validate their song
“favorites” while incorporating new skills into the session. Here are some
basic skills to address when paraphrasing lyrics:
Steps to follow
1.Select one or two phrases or lyrical sentences from the song.  Read it
until you understand it’s meaning or overall message.
2.Take away the visual or written line.  Jot down the key words or
points on a piece of paper or white board.
3.Create synonyms for the main key words by using a thesaurus or other
resource, or look for new words within a category.
4.Look for ways to shorten or lengthen the phrases or sentences.  Write
out or type your new ideas and lyrics.
5.Repeat these steps as you move throughout the song.
Example:
“Superman” by Taylor Swift
• Tall, dark and super manly
Puts papers in his briefcase and drives away
To save the world or go to work
It’s the same thing to me 
• He’s got his mother’s eyes, his father’s ambition
I wonder if he knows how much that I miss him
I hang on every word you say.
Here is the lyrical paraphrase

• Athletic and smart and always a mystery.

He zips up his jacket and walks away from me.
He’s probably off to some sporting event, flying away on this private
jet.
• He’s got his mother’s smile, his father’s personality.
Does he realize how much I love, will he look my way?
Another example
• https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+paraphrase+the+lyr
ic+of+a+song&docid=608041836522638761&mid=19C11575087BB94
7FA5519C11575087BB947FA55&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
• The Lucky Ones - Official Music Video - Bing video
 Songs lyrics to be paraphrased (Choose one)
• Another day in Paradise by Phill
Collins
• Break my heart again by Finneas
• Tears in heaven by Eric Clapton
• Climb by Miley Cyrus
• Numb by Linking Park
• Photograph by Ed Sheeran
• Imagine by John Lennon
• Be kind by Halsey and Marshmello
• Flashlight by Jessie J.
• Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
• Compassion by Andrew Witt
• Don’t stop by Fleetwood Mac
• Broken and beautiful by Kelly
Clarkson
• Keep holding me by Avril Lavigne
• Resilient by Katy Perry