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It seems I'm a bit confused. While I understand the function of a pre-chorus section, I'm wondering what makes it a seperate entity. For instance, if I were to write a standard AABA structure lyric, I would normally write to a transitional phrase, sometimes the hook or refrain, at the end of each A section, but certainly the end of the second A section leading into B would rise.

If I were to write in the V,C,V,C,B,C style, I would also write the end of the verse section to rise to the chorus.

So, I'm wondering if the term is only a reference to that rise, or if indeed it must be written as a seperate section in a lyric. If it must be written as a seperate section, is it "show", or is it "tell"? Is it written neutral, first person, past, present, future? Is it written in the same person and tense in each pre-chorus section?

I know there are no rules, only rules of thumb, but where did the concept begin? I can't find the root of it in music. It seems to be used very regularly and I'm not sure where it began, or what the rules of thumb are.

Thanks in advance,

Tom


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Tom,

The pre-chorus, channel, or lift (all three terms for the same thing) have been used many years in music, but really picked up steam in the 80's where radio tightened the time frame on music.
In the late 60's and 70's with extended (FM radio) people could have verse verse chorus, and longer songs. But this actually was an aberration, in that most songs in the 50's and 60's were in the 2 minute and thirty seconds to three thirty second range.

The framework became established around three and a half minutes and has remained there because that is about where the attention span of the average listener is. Very short.

The "Channel", lift, or pre-chorus" was predominately used to rachet up tension leading to the chorus and give the listener something else to listen to. Usually the pattern for melodic structure and lyric content is to:

Establish
Repeat,
change

Establish
Repeat
Change.

This is done in the verses where the first two lines usually establish meter, melody, etc. The second two lines will repeat those for the human ear to recognise. The CHannel (lift, pre-chorus) will change pattern, meter, melody, so the ear will go "Oooh, that is different." it keeps the attention of the listener.

The choruses will follow the same pattern, the second verse, second chorus, etc. Then a "bridge" usually will break up the patterns of all until a last chorus will come in.

The pre-chorus enables people to do this without doing verse verse, thereby getting six lines in as opposed to four or eight. More room to tell the story, more room for musical changes. Hooks. That is what "Hooks" the audience.

The reason there are different terms are from regions of the music originated.

The "lift" was used as mostly a "Broadway" term from New York, where writers in that genre' were also usually working with a librettist, or story, (play) that would "lift" the action.

Pre-chorus, originated mostly in the California era of 70's music, which was something that happened "before the chorus".

"Channel" is a Nashville term, meaning it "Channels from the verse section to the chorus section.

These all probably have derivations from other eras of music, probably going back hundreds of years, but to my knowledge, in America, that is mostly where they have come from. You hear people from each region use those terms.

That is how it was explained to me from people who have been around a LOT longer than I have.

Hope this helps some.

MAB

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Great reply Marc. I need say nothing else. In terms of story, show or tell just do whatever sounds right. To me it's just a continuation of the story so I just continue the story. Sometimes a bit of a different angle but otherwise just listen to most commercial songs by Katy Perry or Kelly Clarkson. You'll get the jist.


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Hi Tom:

Before I forget my manners, "Welcome to JPF." I don't think there is a way to improve upon what Marc has already said. Believe me, he knoweth!

As a lower echelon writer, I don't worry too much about that aspect of writing. My belief is that a producer for a singer who already has plenty of hits... is gonna chop up your song to suit the artist... and his personal style for generating interest in "your song." Also, don't be surprised if "they" ask for a co-write (further diluting your income) because of that perceived need. Naturally, if you are an established and sought after writer, you may elect to "dig in" your heels. In my case, it's probably easier to settle for "some income" versus no income... LOL! We have to pick and choose our "battles" carefully... knowing (in my case hoping) that the objective is to win the musical "war."

Best of luck to you.

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Wael,
I could be wrong but I think Beethoven may have used the thing in his 9Th Symphony. Of course it may have been used before that as well. And to quote another poster here: Just Compose the damn thing!


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The term Pre Chorus came I hear from Pre Historic times
A wise Tyrannosaurus said "I've something on my mind
I think a song would benefit if it would have a lift
An appetizing intro to a Chorus is a gift

And so a long long time ago in 500 BC
It was declared that songs would have this lift nicknamed PC
Not every song would have this lift but Country would the most
Tyrannosaurus Rex now has a reason he can boast! smile

Where are my manners, Welcome Tom!!!! smile



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In the studio this comes up all the time, even more so than in writing sessions.
I'll say to the singer/writer/artist I'll punch you in on the pre-chorus. They might say, where? "oh okay at the end of the verse"
And then the short discussion follows smile So I'll say okay "the B section"

Someone may just call their pre-chorus part of their verse and some call the end of their verse a pre-chorus.

When in doubt use the alphabet system... EVERY time there is a change of any kind it's a new letter. So I'll say okay "the B section"
Why is it a B section? Because it is different from the A section. If you have an A section then a B section but never a C section than I will call your A B section your chorus most likely.

Example Chords in your song are as follows

C - Am - F __ A Section... Most likely the verse
C - Am - F
G - Em - D –– B Section... Pre-chorus
C - Fm - G __ C Section... Chorus
C - Am - F __ A Section... Verse

B - Ab - E __ D Section... Bridge

Even if you went
C- Am - F
C- Am - F
C- Am - G //// and held that G for four beat or 8 beats. That melody changes with that chord and it can be a pre-chorus to some

For me anything that short I refer to it as part of the verse.
So a new section even though it can be a few chords say three or a few measures, it's a new section of music. More so than a tail end of another section.

*Regardless of any of this the most important thing is to be EFFECTIVE. Whether it's effective or not is all that counts, does it help the song? Whatever you call it doesn't matter. Only when your communicating with others will it come up.

So KNOW both, if you know that the B section of a song is called a pre-chorus by some and part of the verse by another you'll always know which part there talking about. smile






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This is a great topic,nice answer Mr. Barnette.I always heard it called the "stairs" back when.

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I don't have much time but wanted to respond to say thank you for the replies.

My understanding is that it is the music which is most attributed with the term and lyrically I'm safe to write it as a continuation of the verse theme. The lyric written in the lift section of the music, is more closely related to the verse section thematically, followed by the chorus.

Off to Orlando

Tom


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Tom,

From the understanding that you desire you are totally spot on.
I now realise what had been doing your head in!

The story continues but the music changes to keep people listening.

JD


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I'm now on board, where's this ship heading?


New member, Lyrics only contributor, looking to collaborate.

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