Song: meaning, definitions and examples

A 'song' is a piece of music with words that is sung. It is a general term for any musical composition that typically includes lyrics.

• They danced to their favorite song at the wedding.
• I can't get that song out of my head.

The word 'tune' is another term for the melody of a song. It can also refer to simple, memorable sequences of notes, and is often used informally.

• I can't stop humming that tune.
• This old tune brings back so many memories.

A 'melody' is the sequence of notes that makes up the main tune of a piece of music. It is often what makes a song recognizable.

• The melody of this song is very catchy.
• He played the melody on the piano.

The word 'lyric' refers to the words of a song. It is used when focusing on the text or poetry of the song rather than the music itself.

• The lyrics of this song are very meaningful.
• She wrote the lyrics to the song herself.

Used generally for musical compositions meant to be sung, often with lyrics and instrumental accompaniment.

• She sang her favorite song at the karaoke night
• The band's new song climbed to the top of the charts

A piece of writing arranged in lines and stanzas, often with rhythm and meter, that expresses ideas, emotions, or tells a story.

• He recited a poem he wrote for his mother
• The literature class studied the structure of a famous poem

A type of song or poem that tells a story, often a romantic or dramatic one, usually in a simple, melodic form.

• The old ballad spoke of heroes and lost love
• He wrote a ballad about the untimely demise of a legendary warrior

A form of lyrical poetry, often formal and elaborate, expressing praise or strong emotion for someone or something.

• The poet composed an ode to the beauty of the night sky
• She delivered an ode celebrating the achievements of the scientist