What are the different types of lyric forms?
There are several types of lyric forms, and variations on those types. Three of the most common forms are AAA, AABA, and verse-chorus. An AAA lyric form generally consists of repeating sections. Each section may have a refrain, which is a line or two that is repeated in each section. ‘Michael (Row the Boat Ashore’ is a simple example of AAA: Michael, row the boat ashore, Hallelujah! Michael, row the boat ashore, Hallelujah! Sister, help to trim the sail, Hallelujah! Sister, help, to trim the sail, Hallelujah! An AABA lyric form differs from AAA as it features a bridge (B) section that contrasts from the A sections. Some AABA songs feature separate verses, with the AABA form appearing in the chorus. In ‘The Man on the Flying Trapeze’, note how the B section differs from the A sections: (A) Oh once I was happy but now I’m forlorn, Like an old coat that is tattered and torn. I’m left in this wide world to fret and to mourn, Betrayed by a maid in her teens. (B) Oh this girl that I loved sh
