When to Use a Bridge in Your Songwriting Process
As a songwriter, it's important to have a variety of tools in your toolkit. One of the most essential tools is the bridge. The bridge is a section of a song that offers a break from the rest of the song. It can be used to change the mood, add contrast, or transition to a new section of the song. In this article, we'll explore when to use a bridge in your songwriting process.
What is a Bridge?
Before we dive into when to use a bridge, let's first define what a bridge is. A bridge is a section of a song that typically comes after the second chorus. It's usually a short section, typically only 8-16 bars. The purpose of the bridge is to offer a break from the repetition of the verse and chorus sections.
The bridge typically has a different melody, chord progression, and lyrics from the rest of the song. This contrast is what makes the bridge so effective. It gives the listener something unexpected and keeps them engaged with the song.
When to Use a Bridge
Add Contrast
One of the most common reasons to use a bridge is to add contrast to the song. The bridge can offer a change in the melody, chord progression, or lyrics. This contrast helps to keep the listener engaged and interested in the song. A bridge can offer a different perspective or emotion from the rest of the song.
For example, if the verse and chorus of the song are in a major key, the bridge could be in a minor key. This change in tonality adds contrast and creates an emotional impact on the listener. Similarly, the bridge could have a different rhythm or tempo from the rest of the song.
Transition to a New Section
The bridge is also a useful tool for transitioning to a new section of the song. For example, if the song has a solo section or a breakdown, the bridge can be used to transition to that section. The bridge can offer a break from the repetition of the verse and chorus and serve as a bridge between those sections and the solo or breakdown section.
Change the Mood
The bridge can also be used to change the mood of the song. For example, if the song is about a breakup and the chorus is sad, the bridge could offer a glimmer of hope or a more positive perspective. This change in mood can keep the listener engaged and offer a new perspective on the song.
Examples of Great Bridge Sections
Bridge from "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey
- Just a small town girl
- Livin' in a lonely world
- She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
- Just a city boy
- Born and raised in South Detroit
- He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
- A singer in a smoky room
- A smell of wine and cheap perfume
- For a smile they can share the night
- It goes on and on and on and on
The bridge section in "Don't Stop Believing" offers a change in the melody and lyrics from the verses and chorus. The bridge offers a different perspective on the story and offers a glimmer of hope for the characters.
Bridge from "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
- I see a little silhouetto of a man
- Scaramouch, Scaramouch, can you do the Fandango?
- Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening me
- Galileo, Galileo, Galileo, Galileo, Galileo Figaro - magnificoo
- I'm just a poor boy nobody loves me
- He's just a poor boy from a poor family
- Spare him his life from this monstrosity
- Easy come easy go, will you let me go?
The bridge section in "Bohemian Rhapsody" ushers in a new section of the song with a dramatic change in melody and lyrics. The bridge offers a change in mood and adds tension and drama to the song.
Bridge from "Let It Be" by The Beatles
- And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
- Shine until tomorrow, let it be
- I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
- Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
The bridge section in "Let It Be" offers a change in melody and lyrics from the rest of the song. The bridge offers a message of hope and encourages the listener to let go of worry and fear.
Conclusion
The bridge is an essential tool for songwriters. It offers a variety of benefits, including adding contrast, transitioning to a new section, and changing the mood of the song. By understanding when to use a bridge, songwriters can enhance their songs and keep their listeners engaged. Take inspiration from great songs with memorable bridge sections and experiment with your own bridges to see what works best for your music.