What exactly are 'the bridge' and 'the middle eight' in a song?

Question

I have limited knowledge of musical theory so an idiot's guide would be appreciated.

Answer 1

In modern music the bridge of a song is found somewhere in the middle of a song hence the word bridge. Musically the bridge adds to the effect of a song in different ways. You can add a bridge to create a turning point before singing the last chorus and ending it, you can write in a key change in the end of a bridge to add a dramatic effect, you can use it to create tension. For example download "Heaven" by Bryan Adams. He will sing a verse, a chorus, a verse, a chorus, a bridge, a guitar solo, a last chorus, and finally fade out with the chorus music. The bridge will be when he sings:
"I've been waiting for so long
for something to arrive
for love to come along (and so on)

Now when you say "middle eight" I have no idea what you're talkin about. Sounds like something a hardcore band would sketch since the music is so mechanical it can only be divided in numbers and terms like such. Either way you know half your question. And knowing is half the battle.

Answer 2

To be a little less technical than some answers, The middle eight is usually the section that comes after the first two verses, and is where the music changes for two lines before going back to the original tune for the final verse. It was called the middle eight because it was eight bars long.This was very common back in the fifties and sixties, but. as music became more sophisticated in the seventies, different forms were tried.

Answer 3

The A section or verse is harmonically closed, usually cadencing on the tonic. The B section or middle eight is often referred to as the bridge and sometimes as the release.

Lyrically, the bridge is typically used to pause and reflect on the earlier portions of the song or to prepare the listener for the climax.

Answer 4

its where the song trails off from the repetitive melody to recreate a sense of downplay.OR counterplay...before re-examining the melody one or two more times...


Not all songs go there either..some use the Middle eight to do Instrumental Riffing instead of vocals.