From time immemorial, people have used different compositions to define cultural values all around. These compositions can be classified in a variety of ways depending on the various factors.
A song and a poem are considered compositions, albeit very different. In actuality, there are significant distinctions between these two different compositions.
Key Takeaways
- Songs combine lyrics with melodies and rhythms, performed with accompanying instruments or backing tracks.
- Poems rely solely on arranging words and phrases to create emotion, imagery, and meaning without musical elements.
- Songs are performed or recorded, while poems are read or recited.
Song vs Poem
A song is a composition in which music is added. Music makes the song. There are different types of songs. Songs can be composed in different languages. No music is added to a poem. Poems can be written in different languages. Each writer has a different style of writing a poem. Creativity is required to write a poem.
A song can be defined as a work of art that expresses ideas through music. In any song, the music plays a key role. A song’s music determines its significance at any particular period.
Though there may be crucial lyrics in some songs, nonetheless, words in a song are optional and can sometimes be avoided.
But a poem, on the other hand, is a different work of art. This differs from a song on many parameters.
The most common ground of distinction is that there is no need for music in a poem, and words can be a powerful tool to deliver the essence of a poem.
Music, however, is complimentary in a poem. A poem is known for its tone and how it represents thoughts.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Song | Poem |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A song is a composition of certain lyrics combined with some music. | A poem is a combination of certain words to generate a rhyme. |
| Words used | The words of a song are written to express the thoughts as well as the music. | The words of a poem are written mainly to express thoughts and ideas. |
| Rhythm | A song is made after making a certain rhythm. | Rhythm makes a poem beautiful, but it is not a requirement. |
| Use of music | Music is an essential part of making a song. | Music is never an essential part of a poem. However, it can be used to bring more creativity. |
| Use of instruments | Instruments are used to make music for any song. | Instruments are rarely used in a poem as music is rarely used in any poem. |
What is Song?
A song can be defined as a composition made musically. In other words, any composition that contains lyrics aligned with a certain rhythm is known as a song.
In almost all parts of the world, a song happens to be a very famous phenomenon. Different cultures make different songs to represent their values and thoughts. Nowadays, songs have become a very popular way to entertain human civilization. Any song is incomplete without the use of proper music.
Music is the backbone of any song, making it extremely attractive to listeners. Usually, professional singers sing songs. However, common people can also sing a song if they want to.
As music is an essential element of making any song, different types of musical instruments are required while making any song.
A song can be of any type and can fall into many categories. Romantic and patriotic songs are very popular globally, and many companies make these types of songs in large numbers.
However, certain songs do not use any lyrics. Simply music is used in these songs to entertain the potential audience.
What is Poem?
A poem is a famous form of expressing thoughts and ideas through different words. Poems are very popular artistic creations that have existed for so many years.
A poem is very different from other types of compositions. The most important difference between a poem and any other artistic expression is that a poem does not require music. A poem is created by using certain words in a specific language. The purpose of a poem is to deliver thoughts and ideas creatively.
Many poems are written by using rhyming words. But many poems do not rhyme and contain different rhyming in each stanza. Writing a poem is very simple, as no additional equipment is required.
Unlike a song or musical composition, a poem does not require any musical instruments. Making a poem is a very simple yet creative talent.
A poem is considered significant when it creatively expresses ideas and contains hidden meanings also. The literary value of a poem is very high, and many organizations are trying to save this form of art.
Although writing a poem might sound easy, it is a difficult art and requires a lot of patience, creativity, and knowledge of a particular language.
Main Differences Between Song and Poem
- A song is a beautiful combination of certain words with music. On the other hand, a poem is complete by the use of words only.
- A song requires perfect rhyming in all stanzas. But on the other hand, a poem may have rhyming or may not have it.
- A song uses several instruments. On the other hand, a poem does not require any such tools or musical instruments.
- A song is incomplete without having music in it. But on the other hand, a poem can be a combination of words only and does not need music as an essential requirement.
- A song musically expresses thoughts. But on the other hand, a poem expresses ideas in a literary manner and brings out beautiful renditions to life.
Last Updated : 24 November, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
