Is it Common to Write a Song with Just Verses?

When it comes to the typical structure of a popular song, most would expect to hear a clear distinction between verses, a chorus, and a refrain. However, there are countless examples of songs that exist purely with verses, providing a unique listening experience.

The Importance of the Chorus

The chorus or refrain is a hallmark of many popular songs, offering listeners an immediate anchor point that enhances the overall appeal of a track. When the chorus resurfaces, it provides a familiar and satisfying moment, allowing listeners to sing along and deepen their connection with the song. This repetition creates a powerful emotional impact, making the chorus an essential element in the structure of many popular songs.

Examples of Verses-Only Songs

Despite the prevalence of choruses, songs with only verses do indeed exist. These unique compositions challenge the typical song structure and offer a fresh perspective on lyrical composition.

“Man of Constant Sorrow”

One notable example is “Man of Constant Sorrow” from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?, performed by the Soggy Bottom Boys. This song exemplifies the verse-only format, with a particularly distinct bluegrass version of the refrain echoing the last line of the preceding verse. This structure creates a unique and engaging listening experience, inviting listeners to focus on the narrative and emotional depth of the lyrics.

“On the Turning Away”

Another example is “On the Turning Away” by Pink Floyd, featured on their album Momentary Lapse of Reason. This song consists entirely of verses, offering a dense and intricate lyrical experience without the support of a repeating chorus or refrain. The absence of a chorus means that attention remains solely on the development of the narrative and the emotional journey of the lyrics.

Bob Dylan: A Verses-Only Virtuoso

Perhaps the most celebrated practitioner of the verse-only song is Bob Dylan. Throughout his career, Dylan has favored a variety of song forms, but one of his most distinctive techniques is composing songs with multiple verses and a single line as a refrain. This approach highlights the power of lyrical storytelling, with each verse building on the previous one, creating a narrative tapestry that is both intricate and compelling.

Examples by Bob Dylan

Several songs from Dylan's repertoire exemplify this approach. For instance, “The Times They Are a-Changin’” is one of his early works, featuring a single line as a refrain. Other notable examples include “The Man in the Long Black Coat” from the late 1980s, and “Tangled Up in Blue” from his album Blood on the Tracks. These songs show that a well-crafted verse can carry the emotional weight and narrative power of a song without the support of a chorus.

“Positively 4th Street” and Others

Additionally, songs like “Positively 4th Street” and “Subterranean Homesick Blues” feature no repeating line at all. In “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” Dylan delivers an impressive narrative without the need for a chorus, further demonstrating the potential of the verse-only format. Even though "Look out kid" is repeated twice, the structure is still firmly rooted in the verse-only format.

While these songs represent the exception rather than the rule, they serve as powerful examples of the versatility of songwriting. The absence of a chorus or refrain allows for a more focused narrative, deeper character development, and heightened emotional impact. These unique compositions challenge traditional songwriting conventions and provide a fresh and engaging listening experience for audiences.

Conclusion

In summary, while choruses and refrains are common in popular music, songs with only verses do exist and can offer a unique and compelling experience for listeners. From bluegrass classics to experimental rock compositions and the bold narrative storytelling of Bob Dylan, the verse-only format highlights the importance of lyrical composition and the power of narrative in songwriting.

Discovering and learning from these unique songs can inspire new approaches in your own songwriting, offering endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. Whether you're a musician, songwriter, or simply a fan of music, understanding the versatility of song structure can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the art form.