The Difference Between a CHORUS and a REFRAIN

A chorus usually has different lyric and music content to the verse and bridge. Whereas a refrain is usually a repeated line or phrase incorporated lyrically and musically within the verse itself.

Here's an example of a refrain in Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind. Every verse ends with the same two lines:

The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Contrast Dylan's refrain to this chorus written by the Gibb brothers (The Bee Gees) Islands in the Stream

Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha.

If you listen to the track below you'll notice that the chorus section is entirely separate from the verse. It is a whole new lyric and music statement.

Both chorus and refrain often contain the lyric's main idea, and the main 'hook' -  that catchy melodic or lyric phrase that sticks in the memory. Consequently, it is also most likely to be the place where the lyricist will position the song's title, as in the examples above.


Track Suggestions

Dylan's original Blowin In The Wind is clear and easily understood, as is the version by Peter, Paul and Mary. The Gibb brothers' Islands in the Stream is clear on the duet by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers.