The question often comes up: Should I add a Bridge to my song?  There’s definitely no formula for making this decision in a Verse/Chorus song; it truly is a ‘feel’ thing.  But there are some ways to think about it, questions to ask oneself, that may be helpful.

(In an ‘AABA’ song. the ‘B’ section is called a Bridge, but it’s structurally necessary; the song wouldn’t be an ‘AABA’ song without it.  In a Verse/Chorus song, writing a Bridge is totally optional. Also, most – 90+% – of Bridges come in the same place – after the we’ve heard two Verses and two Choruses (or three Choruses, if the song starts with one).

Starting at the most practical level, I think about this: what length feels right for the song?  And, how long is it already?  I’ve said it before – a four minute song is like a two and a half hour movie; a five minute song is like a three hour movie, etc.

Nothing wrong with a three hour movie… if that’s how long the story needs and the makers keep it interesting.  If not… three hours can seem like an eternity (ever been to Good Friday mass as a kid?).

So if a song is already two and a half minutes long by the time the second Chorus is over, you might consider skipping a Bridge.

That consideration aside, the main question I ask myself is whether at that point the song can use a diversion, however brief, or whether it’s better to ride the main idea all the way home.

Think of it like this: You’re in a car, traveling along a beautiful road (this is your song…).  You see a sign: Beautiful Scenic Overlook.  Your destination is close.  Do you want to take that detour?… Even if you keep the car moving and just look out the window?

To me, that’s the Bridge Decision.  Is it better to stay focused on the main idea all the way home?  Or will the Bridge be a lively diversion that will make the whole experience even better?  Will it distract from the main idea, or add power to it?  Does the tension that has built up during the first couple of Verses and Choruses need to explode (Bridges can do that) or is it better off staying contained?  Or, in an explosive song, should the energy quiet down (Bridges can do this too) so the climax is even more exciting?

The lyric comes into play here too.  Is the idea, character, or story better served by never losing focus, or is a change of pace (in, say, narrative point of view)  helpful in painting the picture?

Also, once written, a good Bridge, like a Pre-Chorus, usually seems necessary.  That is, if you take the Bridge away, the song should miss it.  (I feel this way about pretty much everything in a song – if you don’t miss it… lose it.  No matter how attached I may be to it as a line or section.)

Two minutes into the song, listeners already know if they like it or not.  The Bridge is an Extra – if it enhances the experience, great.  If not, it won’t be missed.

As you can see, although I love writing Bridges and sometimes they are the most delightful part of a song (though hopefully not the most memorable – that should be the Chorus), I view writing a Bridge primarily as a structural decision.  Does it help the big picture?  Does the song feel like it needs one right here?

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