The key difference between refrain and chorus is that refrain is a repeated line or lines in a song, typically at the end of each verse while the chorus is a part of a song which is repeated after each verse, and accompanied by a melodic buildup.
Refrain and chorus are similar, but they are not the same. A refrain is typically shorter than a chorus and contains only one or two lines. It is also important to note that the title of the song is usually in the refrain or chorus.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Refrain
3. What is Chorus
4. Similarities Between Refrain and Chorus
5. Side by Side Comparison – Refrain vs Chorus in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Refrain?
A refrain is a line or number of lines in a poem or song that is repeated, typically at the end of each verse.
Look at the following song by Bob Dylan. In this song, you’ll notice that the same two lines are at the end of each verse.
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, ‘n’ how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
Yes, ‘n’ how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, ‘n’ how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, ‘n’ how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Since they repeat, refrains help to reinforce a point in your song’s story and get listeners’ attention.
What is a Chorus?
A chorus usually has different lyric and music content to the verse and bridge. If you listen to a song carefully, you’ll notice that chorus is entirely separate from the verse; it has new lyrics and music. Look at the following song ‘Angel’ by Westlife.
“Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There’s always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
That may be empty
Or weightless and maybe
I’ll find some peace tonight
In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There’s vultures and thieves at your back
Storm keeps on twisting
Keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don’t make no difference
Escape one last time
It’s easier to believe
In this sweet madness
All this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
Some comfort here”
In terms of lyrics, all choruses are refrains, but not all refrains are choruses. If you listen to songs with choruses, you’ll note a change in the music during the chorus.
What are the Similarities Between Refrain and Chorus?
- Both include repeated words and lines.
- The title of the song is usually within the refrain or chorus.
- They are the most memorable parts of a song.
What is the Difference Between Refrain and Chorus?
A refrain is a repeated line or lines in a song, which typically occurs at the end of each verse. In contrast, a chorus is a part of a song which is repeated after each verse. The main difference between refrain and chorus is their melodic buildup. There is no melodic buildup in a refrain while a melodic buildup always characterizes a chorus. Moreover, a refrain is typically shorter than a chorus, consisting only one or two lines.
Summary – Refrain vs Chorus
Refrain and chorus are two of the most memorable elements in a song. Although they are very much similar, they are not the same. The difference between refrain and chorus depends on the melodic buildup as well as the length of the lines.
Image Courtesy:
1.’Joan Baez Bob Dylan crop’ By Rowland Scherman – U.S. Information Agency. Press and Publications Service. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia