refrain
Refrains reinforce a song's central idea. This topic is part of Song Structure within Music. This page currently draws on 7 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.
refrain trivia questions
A refrain is a line or section that does what?
Answer: Returns repeatedly
Bonus fact: Refrains reinforce a song's central idea.
In many folk songs, what follows each verse?
Answer: Refrain
Bonus fact: Repeated refrains make songs easier for groups to join.
How can a refrain differ from a full chorus?
Answer: A refrain may be just one repeated line or phrase
Bonus fact: A chorus is usually a more substantial repeated section.
What is another common term for a recurring refrain-like section?
Answer: Refrain
Bonus fact: The terms overlap, though songwriters sometimes distinguish them.
Which phrase is repeatedly used as a refrain?
Answer: Phenomenal woman
Bonus fact: The refrain anchors each stanza.
Which famous refrain from "My Back Pages" reverses the usual idea of aging and wisdom?
Answer: I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Bonus fact: The line captures the song's self-critical reflection on certainty, ideology, and personal change.
Which four herbs are famously named in the refrain of "Scarborough Fair"?
Answer: Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Bonus fact: The herb refrain became one of the song's most recognizable features.