chorus

formKOR-usfrom Latin

The main recurring section of a song, typically containing the hook and title.‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌

In Depth

The chorus is the emotional and melodic centrepiece of a song — the part that repeats with the same words and music each time, providing the memorable hook that listeners sing along with.‌‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍‌ It usually contains the song's title and its most compelling melody. A good chorus contrasts with the verse: where the verse is conversational and narrative, the chorus opens up — higher notes, fuller instrumentation, bigger dynamics. This contrast creates the sense of arrival and release that makes pop songs satisfying. In gospel and traditional music, the chorus is the communal section where everyone joins in.

Did you know?

The word chorus comes from the Greek khoros — the group of dancers and singers who commented on the action in ancient Greek theatre. It literally means a group singing together.

Related Terms

verse bridge hook refrain

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Keep Exploring

verse→bridge→hook→refrain→