10 frequently used expressions and vocabulary in English for talking about music

One thing every existing civilisation has in common, is that they have all had some kind of music. Music can play greater or lesser roles over our lifespans but inevitably is present in all our lives, whether we play it, sing it, or are just casual listeners. Here are 10 frequently used expressions and vocabulary in English for talking about music.

10 Common Expressions an vocabulary for Talking About Music

How important is music in your life? Do you have a playlist for every mood, or is music associated with people and events? Whatever your relationship with music, it is sure to be present in one way or another. This article looks at some interesting expressions you will encounter when people are talking about music.

1. Lyrics

Meaning: The words of a song.

Example: "I love the lyrics of Jarvis Cocker’s songs, they are like mini short stories." (Adoro i testi delle canzoni di Jarvis Cocker, sono come dei mini racconti.)

Interesting fact: The word "lyrics" comes from the Greek "lyrikos," meaning "singing to the lyre". The lyre was a small stringed instrument usually having 7-12 strings. It was like a small harp and was played at gatherings and events.

2. The lines of a song

Meaning: Specific parts or verses of a song.

Example: "I can never remember the lines of that song, but I always hum the melody." (Non riesco mai a ricordare il testo di quella canzone, ma canticchio sempre la melodia.)

Interesting fact: The term "lines" is borrowed from poetry, where it refers to individual units of verse. We also use this term in theatre and films, when we have to learn a script, we call it ‘learning our lines’.

3. A slow song

Meaning: A song with a slow tempo, often emotional or romantic.

Example: "They played a slow song for the last dance at the wedding." (Hanno suonato un brano lento per l'ultimo ballo al matrimonio.)

Interesting fact: Slow songs are often used for intimate moments, such as first dances at weddings or love scenes in movies. I remember in my teenage years, the local discos would always end with a slow song, and it was a nervous moment in case someone asked you to dance with them!

4. A catchy song

Meaning: A song that is easy to remember and hard to forget.

Example: "That new pop hit is so catchy—I can’t get it out of my head!" (Quella nuova hit pop è così orecchiabile — non riesco a togliermela dalla testa!)

Interesting fact: Catchy songs often follow simple, repetitive structures that make them easy to sing along to. When you have a song in that you can’t get out of your head for hours on end, scientists have described this as a phenomenon known as involuntary musical imagery (INMI) or, more commonly "earworms." The catchier the song, the more likely it is to get stuck in your head!

5. A chorus

Meaning: The part of a song that repeats several times, usually the most memorable section.

Example: "The chorus of this song is so powerful—it gives me chills!" (Il ritornello di questa canzone è così potente — mi dà i brividi!)

Interesting fact: The word "chorus" originally referred to a group of singers in ancient Greek drama who commented on the action of the play. In many languages the word for ‘choir’ often comes from the Greek meaning of the word. However, in English it does not refer to a group of people singing, but instead the part of the song that is repeated between each verse.

6. To release an album or a single

Meaning: To make new music available to the public.

Example: "Taylor Swift just released a new album, and it’s already breaking records!" (Taylor Swift ha appena pubblicato un nuovo album e sta già battendo tutti i record!)

Interesting Fact: The term "album" originally referred to a blank book used for writing or collecting, but it later came to mean a collection of recorded songs. The individual songs on the albums, if released separately, are called ‘singles’. An artist may release a single before releasing the album.

7. A cover

Meaning: A new version of a song originally performed by another artist.

Example: "Have you heard the cover of that classic rock song? I think it’s even better than the original!" (Hai sentito la cover di quella canzone rock classica? Penso sia addirittura meglio dell'originale!")

Interesting fact: Cover songs became popular in the early days of recorded music when different artists would perform the same hit songs to reach wider audiences.

8. To have a song stuck in your head

Meaning: When a song keeps playing in your mind, even when you’re not listening to it.

Example: "I have that song stuck in my head—I can’t stop humming it!" (Ho quella canzone in testa - non smetto di canticchiarla!)

Interesting fact: As mentioned earlier, catchy songs often get stuck in your head and can be hard to get rid of, whether you like it or not!

9. A gig

Meaning: A live performance by a musician or band. The venues are usually smaller than larger concert venues.

Example: "The band has a gig at a local club this Saturday night." (La band ha un concerto in un locale sabato sera.)

Interesting fact: The term "gig" comes from jazz musicians in the early 20th century who used it to describe temporary playing jobs.

10. A choir

Meaning: A group of singers who perform together, often in churches or concerts.

Example: "She sings in a church choir every Sunday." (Canta nel coro della chiesa ogni domenica.)

Interesting fact: Choir singing dates back to ancient Greece, where groups of singers performed hymns in temples and public gatherings.

Use music to help you learn

There is no excuse not to learn the lyrics to songs these days, since with the click of button you can find them. Many people have improved their English by learning the lyrics to songs and making sure they understand the meaning behind the words. This can be a good way to practise English in a fun way, so when your favourite artist releases a new song, try learning the lyrics and singing along. If it gets stuck in your head, it’s a good sign!