How to Write a Verse

8-Bar Verse

Common in pop, rock, and country. Short and punchy, perfect for uptempo songs or when you want frequent chorus repetition.

16-Bar Verse (Most Common)

The industry standard for pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Gives you enough space to develop ideas without losing listener attention.

24-32 Bar Verse

Common in hip-hop and rap. Allows for extended storytelling, complex rhyme schemes, and lyrical depth.

1. Know Where Your Verse Is Going

Before writing a word, understand what your chorus says. Your verse should build toward that chorus, setting up the story or emotion that the chorus delivers. Think of the verse as the question and the chorus as the answer.

2. Start with Concrete Details

Use specific imagery and sensory details to paint a picture. Instead of saying "I was sad," describe the rainy window, the empty bed, the cold coffee. Show, don't tell.

Weak: "I miss you every day"
Strong: "Your toothbrush still sits by the sink / Haven't moved it in three weeks"

3. Establish Your Rhyme Scheme

Choose a rhyme pattern and stick with it. AABB (couplets) is straightforward and punchy. ABAB creates a nice flow with alternating rhymes. ABCB (second and fourth lines rhyme) is common in country and folk.

ABAB example:
Walking down the street at night (A)
City lights are shining bright (A)
But every face I see ain't yours (B)
Just shadows on these empty floors (B)

4. Develop a Narrative Arc

Even if your verse is just 8-16 bars, it should have movement. Start in one place (emotionally or narratively) and end somewhere different. Create progression—this builds tension that the chorus resolves.

5. Match Syllables and Rhythm

Read your verse out loud or rap/sing it. Each line should have a similar syllable count and rhythmic feel. Consistency in meter creates flow and makes your verse feel cohesive and professional.

6. End with a Setup Line

The last line or two of your verse should create anticipation for the chorus. It can be a question, a realization, or an emotional peak that makes the chorus feel like the natural next step.

✗ Too much abstraction

Vague, philosophical lyrics sound poetic but don't connect emotionally. Ground your verses in specific images, moments, and details listeners can visualize.

✗ Inconsistent syllable counts

When lines have wildly different syllable counts, the verse feels choppy and unprofessional. Aim for consistent rhythm and meter.

✗ Forced rhymes

Don't twist your sentence structure just to land a rhyme. If a rhyme feels unnatural, use a slant rhyme or rewrite the line entirely.

✗ No progression or movement

If your verse feels static—just describing the same thing in different ways—it won't build toward the chorus. Create a journey from start to finish.

What is a verse in a song?

A verse is a section of a song that tells the story, provides context, and develops the theme introduced in the chorus. Verses typically change with each repetition, unlike the chorus which stays the same. They set up the emotional journey that leads to the chorus.

How long should a verse be?

Most verses are 8-16 bars long, with 16 bars being the most common in pop, hip-hop, and R&B. This typically translates to 30-45 seconds of music. Some genres like country or rock may use 8-bar verses, while rap verses can extend to 24 or 32 bars.

What is the difference between a verse and a chorus?

Verses tell the story and change each time, while choruses contain the main message and repeat the same lyrics. Verses are typically more detailed and narrative-driven, while choruses are simpler, catchier, and more emotionally direct. Verses set up; choruses deliver.

Should verses rhyme?

Yes, most verses use rhyme schemes to create flow and memorability. Common patterns include AABB (couplets), ABAB (alternating), and ABCB (second and fourth lines rhyme). However, internal rhymes, slant rhymes, and even non-rhyming verses can work depending on your genre and style.

How many verses should a song have?

Most songs have 2-3 verses. A typical structure is Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Bridge, Final Chorus. Some songs skip the third verse and use a bridge instead, while others (especially in hip-hop) may have 3-4 full verses.

Should I write the verse or chorus first?

Many songwriters start with the chorus because it contains the core message, then write verses that build toward it. However, some prefer to develop the story in verses first, letting the chorus emerge naturally. There's no wrong approach—experiment to find what works for your creative process.