"Taylor’s master class in songwriting was excellent. She came in prepared and professional. She was able to relate to the students and keep them engaged, even in an online format! I will definitely use Taylor again and highly recommend her to other teachers"
-Maria Dowell
Music Director at Renaissance High School
-Maria Dowell
Music Director at Renaissance High School
Excerpt from "The Songwriting Breakdown" (Chapter 1)
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Verse-Led vs. Chorus-Led
There are two anecdotes that can be helpful in understanding the verse/chorus connection, depending on whether the verse or chorus comes first. When chorus-led, you can think of the “dramatic roommate” example. Verse-led can be explained via the “couch therapy” example. Both still tie in with the same “Set-up,” and “Punchline” functionality, but have a distinct way of fulfilling those song roles. 
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Chorus-Led: Dramatic Roommate Situation
One way to understand the overarching relationship between verse and chorus in popular music, is to think of a song as a dramatic roommate situation. The chorus is like you barging into the house saying “I hate him. I am never going to fall for a guy like that again!” The verse is you explaining the laundry list of details, “well, it started out great, but then he started acting weird, and I noticed he was texting another girl a lot…” when your roommate asks, “what happened?” You back up your dramatic statement with examples or evidence, and then you pivot back into your that same dramatic main point statement for emphasis (via that is why, “I hate him, and am never going to fall for a guy like that again”). With each revelation of new information via the set-up of an additional verse, the repetition of the chorus becomes more understandable and impactful—your roommate might even find themselves siding fully with you
One way to understand the overarching relationship between verse and chorus in popular music, is to think of a song as a dramatic roommate situation. The chorus is like you barging into the house saying “I hate him. I am never going to fall for a guy like that again!” The verse is you explaining the laundry list of details, “well, it started out great, but then he started acting weird, and I noticed he was texting another girl a lot…” when your roommate asks, “what happened?” You back up your dramatic statement with examples or evidence, and then you pivot back into your that same dramatic main point statement for emphasis (via that is why, “I hate him, and am never going to fall for a guy like that again”). With each revelation of new information via the set-up of an additional verse, the repetition of the chorus becomes more understandable and impactful—your roommate might even find themselves siding fully with you
Verse-led: Couch Therapy Session
You can also think of the relationship between verse and chorus like a stereotypical session with a therapist. The first verse can be thought of as a detailed reply to “what’s troubling you?” or “what’s been on your mind lately?” For example, “things have been really hard lately. I feel like life has been beating me down in all directions….” And then your chorus would be answering the bigger question of “What do you think the significance of that is?” Basically, a conclusion of sorts where you decide what all those details add up to. You might land somewhere inspiring “even though things are hard, I’m not giving up.” Or realize something simple like, “I need a vacation…”
Both of these anecdotes tie into the following functions:
Verse = backstory, details and context.
Chorus = your big message where you define the significance of your song.
For any inquiries about The Songwriting Breakdown, please use the contact form on this website or send an email to [email protected].
You can also think of the relationship between verse and chorus like a stereotypical session with a therapist. The first verse can be thought of as a detailed reply to “what’s troubling you?” or “what’s been on your mind lately?” For example, “things have been really hard lately. I feel like life has been beating me down in all directions….” And then your chorus would be answering the bigger question of “What do you think the significance of that is?” Basically, a conclusion of sorts where you decide what all those details add up to. You might land somewhere inspiring “even though things are hard, I’m not giving up.” Or realize something simple like, “I need a vacation…”
Both of these anecdotes tie into the following functions:
Verse = backstory, details and context.
Chorus = your big message where you define the significance of your song.
For any inquiries about The Songwriting Breakdown, please use the contact form on this website or send an email to [email protected].