If you're stepping into the world of songwriting, you're bound to encounter a maze of musical jargon: verses, bridges, choruses, pre-choruses, and—perhaps most mysteriously—refrains. The term “refrain” trips up even experienced musicians, often blurring lines with choruses and other repeating song sections. But understanding refrains is not just music theory trivia—it’s a powerful tool to boost your songwriting.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a curious music lover, let’s demystify what a refrain is, why it matters, and how you can use it to craft memorable songs.
The word “refrain” comes from the French refraindre, meaning “to repeat.” In music, a refrain is a line or group of lines that repeats throughout a song, usually with a recurring melody. While sometimes used interchangeably with “chorus,” a refrain doesn’t always function as a full section of a song—it can be as short as a single, recurring line at the end of each verse.
Classic Example:
In Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, each verse ends with the phrase “The answer is blowin’ in the wind.” That’s a refrain! It anchors the song, providing listeners with a memorable phrase that’s easy to recall.
Modern Example:
In pop music, refrains often evolve into full choruses. Adele’s When We Were Young features the repeating chorus “Let me photograph you in this light…”, which acts as a refrain in the modern sense.
1. Memorability:
Refrains make songs catchier. By repeating a melodic idea or lyric, your song becomes more likely to stick in your listener’s head. Think about the last song you couldn’t stop humming—chances are, it had a strong, memorable refrain.
2. Emphasizing the Message:
A refrain allows you to spotlight your song’s central idea. Each verse provides context or tells a story, while the refrain hammers home the emotional or thematic core.
Songwriting Tip:
When writing a refrain, ask yourself: What is the main message or emotion I want my audience to remember? Use your refrain to distill your song into one powerful idea.
In today’s music, “refrain” and “chorus” are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:
Example:
In The Beatles’ Hey Jude, the line “Hey Jude” is a refrain that also functions as the chorus.
Start with Melody and Rhythm:
Craft a melody that feels comfortable and catchy. Experiment until you find something that’s easy to remember and sing.
Focus on Lyrical Content:
Your refrain should deliver the main point or feeling of your song. It’s your “thesis statement” in musical form.
Draw Inspiration:
Listen to your favorite songs and notice how they use repeating lines or choruses. Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero is a modern example, featuring the refrain, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.”
Keep It Concise:
Brevity is your friend. A short, punchy refrain packs more impact than a lengthy one.
Understanding and using refrains can transform your songwriting, making your music more memorable and emotionally impactful. Whether you’re composing your first tune or refining your next hit, use refrains thoughtfully to anchor your message and connect with your audience.
Ready to write your own unforgettable refrain? Start experimenting—and see where your creativity takes you!