One thing every existing civilisation has in common, is that they have all had some kind of music. Music can play greater or lesser roles over our lifespans but inevitably is present in all our lives, whether we play it, sing it, or are just casual listeners. Here are 10 frequently used expressions and vocabulary in English for talking about music.
10 Common Expressions an vocabulary for Talking About Music
How important is music in your life? Do you have a playlist for every mood, or is music associated with people and events? Whatever your relationship with music, it is sure to be present in one way or another. This article looks at some interesting expressions you will encounter when people are talking about music.
1. Lyrics
Meaning: The words of a song.
Example: "I love the lyrics of Jarvis Cocker’s songs, they are like mini short stories." (Me encantan las letras de las canciones de Jarvis Cocker, son como pequeños cuentos).
Interesting fact: The word "lyrics" comes from the Greek "lyrikos," meaning "singing to the lyre". The lyre was a small stringed instrument usually having 7-12 strings. It was like a small harp and was played at gatherings and events.
2. The lines of a song
Meaning: Specific parts or verses of a song.
Example: "I can never remember the lines of that song, but I always hum the melody." (Nunca me acuerdo de la letra de esa canción, pero siempre tarareo la melodía).
Interesting fact: The term "lines" is borrowed from poetry, where it refers to individual units of verse. We also use this term in theatre and films, when we have to learn a script, we call it ‘learning our lines’.
3. A slow song
Meaning: A song with a slow tempo, often emotional or romantic.
Example: "They played a slow song for the last dance at the wedding." (Tocaron una canción lenta para el último baile en la boda).
Interesting fact: Slow songs are often used for intimate moments, such as first dances at weddings or love scenes in movies. I remember in my teenage years, the local discos would always end with a slow song, and it was a nervous moment in case someone asked you to dance with them!
4. A catchy song
Meaning: A song that is easy to remember and hard to forget.
Example: "That new pop hit is so catchy—I can’t get it out of my head!" (Ese nuevo éxito pop es tan pegadizo que no me lo puedo sacar de la cabeza).
Interesting fact: Catchy songs often follow simple, repetitive structures that make them easy to sing along to. When you have a song in that you can’t get out of your head for hours on end, scientists have described this as a phenomenon known as involuntary musical imagery (INMI) or, more commonly "earworms." The catchier the song, the more likely it is to get stuck in your head!
5. A chorus
Meaning: The part of a song that repeats several times, usually the most memorable section.
Example: "The chorus of this song is so powerful—it gives me chills!" (¡El estribillo de esta canción es tan potente que me da escalofríos!).
Interesting fact: The word "chorus" originally referred to a group of singers in ancient Greek drama who commented on the action of the play. In many languages the word for ‘choir’ often comes from the Greek meaning of the word. However, in English it does not refer to a group of people singing, but instead the part of the song that is repeated between each verse.
6. To release an album or a single
Meaning: To make new music available to the public.
Example: "Taylor Swift just released a new album, and it’s already breaking records!" (¡Taylor Swift acaba de lanzar un nuevo álbum y ya está rompiendo récords!).
Interesting Fact: The term "album" originally referred to a blank book used for writing or collecting, but it later came to mean a collection of recorded songs. The individual songs on the albums, if released separately, are called ‘singles’. An artist may release a single before releasing the album.
7. A cover
Meaning: A new version of a song originally performed by another artist.
Example: "Have you heard the cover of that classic rock song? I think it’s even better than the original!" (¿Has escuchado la versión de esa canción de rock clásico? ¡Creo que es incluso mejor que la original!).
Interesting fact: Cover songs became popular in the early days of recorded music when different artists would perform the same hit songs to reach wider audiences.
8. To have a song stuck in your head
Meaning: When a song keeps playing in your mind, even when you’re not listening to it.
Example: "I have that song stuck in my head—I can’t stop humming it!" (Tengo esa canción pegada, no puedo parar de tararearla).
Interesting fact: As mentioned earlier, catchy songs often get stuck in your head and can be hard to get rid of, whether you like it or not!
9. A gig
Meaning: A live performance by a musician or band. The venues are usually smaller than larger concert venues.
Example: "The band has a gig at a local club this Saturday night." (El grupo tiene un concierto en un club local este sábado en la noche).
Interesting fact: The term "gig" comes from jazz musicians in the early 20th century who used it to describe temporary playing jobs.
10. A choir
Meaning: A group of singers who perform together, often in churches or concerts.
Example: "She sings in a church choir every Sunday." (Canta en el coro de una iglesia cada domingo).
Interesting fact: Choir singing dates back to ancient Greece, where groups of singers performed hymns in temples and public gatherings.
Use music to help you learn
There is no excuse not to learn the lyrics to songs these days, since with the click of button you can find them. Many people have improved their English by learning the lyrics to songs and making sure they understand the meaning behind the words. This can be a good way to practise English in a fun way, so when your favourite artist releases a new song, try learning the lyrics and singing along. If it gets stuck in your head, it’s a good sign!
Multiple choice quiz
1. What does "lyrics" refer to?
a) The melody of a song
b) The words of a song
c) The instruments used in a song
d) The rhythm of a song
2. What is another term for "the lines of a song"?
a) Verses
b) Melodies
c) Beats
d) Instruments
3. Which type of song is typically slow and emotional?
a) An upbeat song
b) A fast song
c) A slow song
d) A catchy song
4. What makes a song "catchy"?
a) Its difficult lyrics
b) Its repetitive and memorable tune
c) Its length
d) Its loud volume
5. What is the repeated part of a song called?
a) A verse
b) A chorus
c) A line
d) A gig
6. What does "to release an album" mean?
a) To write a song
b) To perform live
c) To make an album available to the public
d) To delete songs from an album
7. What is a "cover" in music?
a) A song from an album
b) A song performed by a different artist
c) A song with no lyrics
d) A hidden track on an album
8. What is a "playlist"?
a) A list of upcoming concerts
b) A collection of songs arranged for a purpose
c) A new album release
d) A band's schedule
9. What does "to have a song stuck in your head" mean?
a) To forget a song completely
b) To sing a song on repeat
c) To keep thinking about a song involuntarily
d) To compose a song
10. What is a "gig"?
a) A song's rhythm
b) A live music performance
c) A new song release
d) A choir rehearsal
Answers: 1. b; 2. a; 3. c; 4. b; 5. b; 6. c; 7. b; 8. b; 9. c; 10. b