What is a song?

As the title said, just what makes something be considered a song? Is it the lyrics? Is it the combination of musical notes? Is it the combination? Exactly what makes something a song?

It's the combination of the lyrics and the music.
Now I wonder is an instrumental song a song?
A song without music doesn't sound good. (at least for me)
Sometimes a song without lyrics can be good.
For me the best combination is one with lyrics and music.

A song is music and lyrics. Perhaps it's just me and my ignorance, but I think just music is referred to as a piece normally (at least in classical music).

Hmm good question! See I have always called instrumental pieces, tunes and pieces with lyrics songs...but I'm pretty sure in the actually definition of a song there doesn't *have* to be lyrics

If a "song" is defined by music with lyrics, would a classical piece played while someone recited a poem be considered a "song"?

If that would constitute a "song", then if a different poem was recited to the same piece of music be a different "song"?

If two different poems recited to the same piece of music are two "songs", then that would insinuate that the music is not the determining factor in a "song". However, if you considered it one "song" with different lyrics, well, that would mean that lyrics are not the determining factor in a "song".

Kwestion hurt brain....
Tough one Naz.
My opinion would be a song doesn't necessarily need lyrics but it does need structure (beginning-middle-end) much like a story. Music without structure doesn't seem to have enough self identity to be classified as an individual song IMO. Kind of like words written on paper without a uniting theme.

Staybrite wrote:

Kwestion hurt brain....
Tough one Naz.
My opinion would be a song doesn't necessarily need lyrics but it does need structure (beginning-middle-end) much like a story. Music without structure doesn't seem to have enough self identity to be classified as an individual song IMO. Kind of like words written on paper without a uniting theme.

Soooo, improvisational jazz by that definition could not have any "songs" because there is no real unifying lyrics, or even a reproducible sound. "Scatting" would not be a viable lyrical approach?

nazpastor wrote:

Soooo, improvisational jazz by that definition could not have any "songs" because there is no real unifying lyrics, or even a reproducible sound. "Scatting" would not be a viable lyrical approach?

Well to me improv jazz doesn't really sound like music. So I guess that works for me.

But seriously, we are talking about something that is rather subjective.
So I think it is going to be very difficult to anchor down a solid definition.

To me, a song would constitute a piece of music with singing. With instrumental music, a lot of artists/composers refer to their music as either "pieces" or "movements". When you add a recognizable vocal melody, you move beyond a musical composition to having a song.

But, that's just my 2 cents worth.

What about songs like Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll part 2".
No lyrics, but you mean to tell me it isn't a song? Just a peice? (I think thousands of hockey fans might disagree)

Click the link
Rock & Roll Part 2

(this does not mean I endorse Gary Glitter or his music by any means)

OK, then lets take another step. If lyrics are neccassary for something to be a "song", why are birds called "songbirds" when they make their "music"?

God has created human being with a voice, meant to praise and worship God.
To communicate with each other and to sing.
God created the birds so that they can "sing" without words.
It was against His will.

song (sông, sng)
n.
1. Music
a. A brief composition written or adapted for singing.
b. The act or art of singing: broke into song.
2. A distinctive or characteristic sound made by an animal, such as a bird or an insect.
3.
a. Poetry; verse.
b. A lyric poem or ballad.
Idiom:
for a song Informal
At a low price: "bought the antique tray for a song."

We all define "song" in a personal sense.
Songs are an emotional expression of our inner self placed to (our definition of) harmony.
Our lives can be considered a "song" to our Creator (whether beautiful, or bad enuf to cause Him to turn off the song) - the angels as well as humans were created with music in them... the whole reason is to praise & worship God for all eternity.... with new songs, however expressed.

Interesting that God is even referred to in a praise song as "You are beautiful my sweet sweet song"... what's that mean ?