Song form - Bridge with Yeo
In this video...
Yeo talks about writing lyrics for a bridge, and how songwriters use a bridge to provide contrast.
What is a bridge?
Listen to the second verse, chorus, and bridge of Scar by Missy Higgins.
Write a short response explaining how the bridge section is different from the rest of the song.
You could discuss differences in the melody, harmony, instrumentation, lyrical perspective.
Scar by Missy Higgins
The lyrics of the verse and chorus tend to focus on the narrator’s relationships with other people rather than her own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. The lyrics of the bridge give the narrator the agency to control how she thinks and feels about the situation, rather than relying on the perspectives/wants of others.
Even though the chord progression of the bridge is the same as the verse (I – V – vi – IV) the harmonic rhythm is different. Instead of changing chords every two beats like in the verse (playing two chords per bar), each chord is held for a full bar in the bridge. This gives the bridge a sparser texture and helps to focus the listener on the lyrics.
The instrumentation of the verse and chorus includes a drum-kit , bass, guitar, acoustic guitar and vocals. However, the first half of the bridge is only vocals and drums. This creates a dramatic texture shift which distinguishes this section from the rest of the song.
The melody used in the verse and chorus of the song uses the higher range of the singers voice. The melody of the bridge sits within the lower register of the voice. The melodic contour is also flatter, and there is less melodic movement in the bridge when compared to other sections.
More songs with a bridge
Not every song has a bridge
Some songs work great with just verses and choruses—if it flows and feels complete, a bridge isn’t necessary.
‘Native Tongue ‘by Mo’Ju skips a traditional bridge but includes a short instrumental break instead. It gives a breather but doesn’t add new melodies or chords, so it’s not technically a bridge.
The driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and slow build keep the song engaging from start to finish.
