WRITING THE SONG - Part 7

It should be borne in mind that these and other variations do not alter the fundamental beat. They do serve to relieve the monotony, and it is by this interplay of rhythm that syncopation is achieved.

2. The Melody Must Be Based on a Short Theme

The chorus of the average popular song is 32 measures long, and is divided into four distinct sections or "phrases," each containing eight measures. The opening phrase contains the principal melodic theme which is repeated according to certain patterns to be discussed later. This opening phrase is the focal point of the song. Once it is worked out properly, the remainder of the song "is in the bag."

If we play a number of popular songs, paying particular attention to the melody in the opening phrase, we will note that the theme is completed within the eight measures and does not carry over to the following phrase. To achieve this result, four measures of the phrase must be devoted to expressing the theme and four more to repetition, development, or conclusion. Since the title is always tied in with the four measures in which the theme is first expressed, one can easily pick out those songs in which the melody starts the phrase and those in which the melody ends the phrase. Such songs, for example as In My Arms, Mairzy Doats, They're Either Too Young or Too Old, My Mama Done Tole Me, Night and Day, and White Christmas have the main melody in the first four measures of the opening phrase. Other songs, such as Pistol Packin’ Mama, As Time Goes By contain the principal melody in the second half of the eight-measure phrase. In this instance, the first four measures serve to introduce or build up to the main melody.

There is no particular rule about starting the main melody either at the beginning or the middle of the phrase. This is entirely up to the composer and will be suggested, to a good extent, by the character of the tune. It is, however, important that the melodic theme be completed within the phrase. If the tune is properly written, it should not take more than eight measures to express it. If the tune seems to require more than eight measures, close examination will usually reveal that a few changes in note values throughout the phrase will not only make the melody more compact but improve the tune.

3. The Melodic Construction Must Conform to One of Several Patterns

The entire construction of the popular song is based upon the fact that the composer wishes to state a melodic phrase so emphatically that it will impress an audience at first hearing and be remembered when the song is ended. Placing the main theme at the beginning of the chorus is a step in this direction, but this alone would not be sufficient. Repetition is required, but not enough repetition to promote the monotony which the composer is constantly seeking to avoid. Monotony is avoided by interposing phrases containing alternate melodies. Experience has shown that certain patterns of these phrases are the most practical—both from the viewpoint of the composer and the listener.