Understanding the AABA Form in Popular Music: Structure and Examples

AABA form is

four eight measure sections; with the first, second, and fourth sections being the same

a type of musical structure that is commonly used in popular music such as jazz, blues, and rock. AABA stands for Verse, Verse, Bridge, and Verse.

In this form, the “A” section consists of two identical verses, where the melody and lyrics are repeated, often with some variation or embellishment. The “B” section, also known as the bridge, is a contrasting section with a different melody and often different lyrics. After the bridge, the “A” section is repeated again.

One of the most famous examples of the AABA form is the song “Over the Rainbow” from the movie The Wizard of Oz. The first two sections of the verse (“A” sections) begin with the lyrics “Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high / There’s a land that I’ve heard of once in a lullaby” and repeat with slight variation. The bridge (“B” section) features the lyrics “Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue / And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” The song then concludes with another repetition of the “A” section.

Overall, the AABA form provides a simple and effective structure for songwriting, allowing for easy repetition and variation while also providing a clear contrast in the bridge section.

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