Song

The voice often carries the melody (a series of distinct and fixed pitches) using patterns of sound and silence.

Songs have a structure to them, such as the common ABA form, and are usually made of sections that are repeated or performed with variation later.

Songs that are sung on repeated pitches without distinct contours and patterns that rise and fall are called chants.

In popular music, a singer may perform with an acoustic guitarist, pianist, organist, accordionist, or a backing band.

In jazz, a singer may perform with a single pianist, a small combo (such as a trio or quartet), or with a big band.

In jazz and blues, singers often learn songs by ear and they may improvise some melody lines.

Art songs require strong vocal technique, an understanding of language, diction, and poetry for interpretation.

The troubadours and bards of Europe began the documented tradition of romantic songs, continued by the Elizabethan lutenists.

The tradition of the romance, a love song with a flowing accompaniment, often in triple meter, entered opera in the 19th century and spread from there throughout Europe.

The German term Volkslied was coined in the late 18th century, in the process of collecting older songs and writing new ones.

This tradition led also to the singer-songwriter style of performing, where an artist has written confessional poetry or personal statements and sings them set to music, most often with guitar accompaniment.

Although songs about boxers and successful racehorses were common in the nineteenth century, few are performed by current singers.

The High Level Ranters and Martin Wyndham-Read recorded an album called "English Sporting Ballads" in 1977.