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In songs that are in one of the verse-chorus formats, the optional section we call a bridge will typically happen after the second chorus. For verse-bridge songs, the bridge will usually be placed after the second verse.
No matter what format you use for your song, a bridge has a way of building musical energy. In many cases, bridges are energetic, louder than the chorus that precedes it. Some bridges can look more like lengthy instrumental sections, like Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love.”
And sometimes a bridge can be quieter, particularly if the verse and chorus before it are loud and energetic: the bridge gives you a chance to allow musical energy to diminish, for contrast’s sake.
But normally, because of the nature of lyrics, bridges have a way of creating a strong sense of expectation and emotion, setting things up for the return of the chorus, or (sometimes) the return of the verse.
Over the years I’ve written many articles about song bridges, from looking at what the melody might do, to what the job of a bridge lyric should be, and the kinds of chords you might use. If you’re struggling with getting your song’s bridge section to work, take a look through these previous blog posts. I hope you find something that will help.
General Advice
- Writing the Best Bridge For Your Song
- Deciding If Your Song Needs a Bridge (Middle-8)
- What Should Happen After a Song Bridge?
Bridge Melodies
Bridge Chords
- How Bridge Chords Work in Most Songs
- A Chart For Creating Bridge Chord Progressions
- Creating Chords For Your Song’s Bridge Section
- Starting a Song Bridge With a Minor Chord
Bridge Lyrics
- How Verse, Chorus and Bridge Lyrics Differ From Each Other
- Getting Bridge Lyrics Right
- The Fluctuating Emotions in a Song’s Bridge
Written by Gary Ewer. Follow Gary on Twitter.
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