Song Prompt: Start With The Chorus

This classic written by Bill Withers uses the chorus to set the mood/tone for the entire course of the rest of the song.  And, the chorus only shows up one more time.

Meghan Trainor’s hit song is basically a giant, in-your-face anthem.  I do love that it starts with “Because,” as if there was already some discussion about what the song was about. The chorus tells you right up front that the speaker is in it to win it, and has something she wants to say. Great reason to start with the chorus!

Because you know I’m all about that bass,
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all ’bout that bass, ’bout that bass, no treble

This Beatles song starts with the very short, two-line chorus. It then uses two verses to give context and meaning to the chorus. In this case it acts like a teaser to set up the verses of the song and the relationship explanation.

Can’t buy me love, love.
Can’t buy me love.

I’ll buy you a diamond ring my friend
If it makes you feel alright.
I’ll get you anything my friend
If it makes you feel alright.
‘Cause I don’t care too much for money –
Money can’t buy me love

I’ll give you all I’ve got to give
If you say you love me too.
I may not have a lot to give
But what I’ve got I’ll give to you.
I don’t care too much for money –
Money can’t buy me love.

Can’t buy me love, everybody tells me so.
Can’t buy me love, no, no, no, no.

Florida Georgia Line ran this one to the top of country charts. It uses the same short two-line chorus approach as “Can’t Buy Me Love” that then rolls into verses that fill out the story.

Baby you a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise

Stevie Nicks wrote the best chorus of all time. She’s managed to actually bring the sounds of a dove into the chorus. And, she ties the first verse to the chorus with an “And” – pretty slick.

Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song sounds like she’s singin’
Whoo-whoo-whoo
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song sounds like she’s singin’
Whoo, baby, whoo- said, whoo

And the days go by like a strand in the wind
In the web that is my own I begin again
Said to my friend, baby nothin’ else mattered

Dolly Parton wrote a song that will no doubt be considered a country classic 200 years from now.  The repetition of the name is the power of the song: one woman beseeching another not to take something so precious when clearly, she could have any man she wanted.

You immediately feel the fear of the speaker, and then you hear the story.

Bon Jovi’s hit song makes it clear that the speaker is talking directly to someone, and the chorus ensures you know it right up front. The first verse starts laying it out, but you already know how the speaker feels about her – he’s hurt and now you’re going to hear about it.