On Verses and Choruses

A verse is a section in which the lyrics change in every new presentation, while a chorus is a section in which lyrics remain constant.

Choruses normally are meant to be sung by a group of persons, while verses are supposed to be sung by a solo singer. That is why choruses repeat the lyrics; because it is very difficult to convince a group of people to learn complex lyrics.

The chorus is that part of the song that a group of friends would sing very loud in a saloon with a couple of beers and a high alcoholic content in the blood. Therefore, a good chorus must be simple and easy to sing. Normally, it is the part of the song that is remembered most easily.

The verse, on the other hand, can be quite complex, as it is supposed to be sung by a more "professional" singer.

The verse and the chorus must be clearly differentiated so that the listener is able to notice clearly that they are different sections. Different lyrics and the fact that the verse is sung by a single person and the chorus by more than one, normally is not enough to stablish a sufficient contrast. Common additional contrasting elements between verse and chorus include instrumental timbre and harmony.