A Tribute To The Best Refrains Of All Time

There are few things in music more memorable than a great chorus or refrain. That one line or melody that sticks with you, even after the last note has faded away. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the greatest refrains of all time, and explore what makes them so special.

1. "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is a classic example of a great refrain. The simple but powerful melody drives home the message of the song - that love endures even when it must come to an end. The refrain - "And I will always love you" - is repeated several times throughout the song, serving as the emotional anchor that ties everything together.

2. "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey

The refrain of "Don't Stop Believin'" is one of the most widely recognized in all of music. Its message of perseverance and hope has resonated with generations of listeners, making it an enduring classic. The refrain - "Don't stop believin', hold on to that feelin'" - is deceptively simple, but its message is universal and timeless.

3. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a masterpiece, both musically and lyrically. The refrain of "Mama, ooh, didn't mean to make you cry" is just one small part of the larger whole, but it stands out as a haunting and evocative melody. Its placement in the middle of the song creates a moment of emotional release, allowing the listener to connect more deeply with the music.

4. "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses

The refrain of "Sweet Child O' Mine" is a perfect example of a rock anthem. Its catchy melody and powerful lyrics make it an irresistible sing-along, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its staying power. The refrain - "Oh, oh, oh, sweet child o' mine" - is simple but effective, and it serves as the backbone of the entire song.

5. "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is one of the most iconic songs of the 80s. Its refrain - "Woah-oh, we're halfway there, woah-oh, livin' on a prayer" - is practically impossible not to sing along to. The song's message of perseverance and determination is timeless, and its catchy refrain has made it a staple of classic rock radio.

6. "Hey Jude" - The Beatles

The refrain of "Hey Jude" is one of the Beatles' most iconic melodies. Its simple yet powerful message - "Take a sad song and make it better" - has inspired generations of listeners, and its sing-along chorus is a highlight of the song. The way the melody builds and expands throughout the song is a masterclass in songwriting, and the refrain is the emotional pinnacle of the song.

7. "We Are the Champions" - Queen

Queen's "We Are the Champions" is one of the most triumphant songs in all of music. Its refrain - "We are the champions, my friends" - is a declaration of victory and accomplishment, and its soaring melody makes it an unforgettable anthem. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its message, and its refrain is the driving force behind that message.

8. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - The Rolling Stones

The refrain of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is one of the most recognizable in all of music. Its simple but effective melody perfectly captures the frustration and longing at the heart of the song's lyrics, and its repetition throughout the song gives it a hypnotic quality. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the power of a great melody, and its refrain is the perfect example of that power.

9. "All Along the Watchtower" - Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix's rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" is a masterpiece of musical transformation. The song's refrain - "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view" - is lifted directly from the original Bob Dylan version, but Hendrix's guitar work and vocal delivery transform it into something completely new. The way the refrain is layered over and interwoven with the rest of the song is a testament to Hendrix's genius as an arranger and performer.

10. "Imagine" - John Lennon

The refrain of "Imagine" is one of the most iconic in all of music. Its message of peace and unity has resonated with listeners for decades, making it a timeless classic. The refrain - "Imagine all the people living life in peace" - is a powerful call to action, and its simple but effective melody makes it easy to sing along to. Its placement at the end of the song gives it an added emotional punch, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting impact.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the many great refrains in music history. They all have one thing in common - they're memorable, emotional, and powerful. Whether they're anthems of triumph and perseverance, like "We Are the Champions" and "Livin' on a Prayer," or meditations on love and loss, like "I Will Always Love You," each of these songs has a refrain that sticks with us long after the music has stopped. That's the power of great songwriting - to capture a moment, a feeling, an emotion, and make it last forever through the magic of music.