The bridge can often be an overlooked part of a song. But when it’s done right, a bridge can steal the show. The right bridge can change the pace of a song, bring in a new flavor, and prove to be iconic. The three classic songs below have bridges that blow their choruses out of the water.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Every Breath You Take” (The Police)
The Police‘s “Every Breath You Take” is relatively subdued throughout. The energy only spikes during the bridge. The listener begins to sense the depth of Sting’s devotion to this all-encompassing, albeit slightly unsettling, romance. He can’t help but share all of his pent-up feelings. That unbridled affection is what makes this bridge so powerful.
The Bridge: Since you’ve gone, I’ve been lost without a trace / I dream at night, I can only see your face / I look around, but it’s you I can’t replace / I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace / I keep crying, baby, baby, please
“Something” (The Beatles)
A bridge functions best when it acts as a welcome change of pace in a song. That’s the case with the Beatles’ “Something”. The verses see George Harrison sing languidly, while the bridge invites a new rhythm into the mix. In general, “Something” isn’t the Beatles’ most interesting song, production-wise. However, this iconic bridge makes up for any potential predictability.
The Bridge: You’re asking me, will my love grow? / I don’t know, I don’t know / You stick around, now, it may show / I don’t know, I don’t know
“Gypsy” (Fleetwood Mac)
After keeping her vocals contained for the duration of the song, Nicks finally lets her voice fly freely on the bridge. It’s no secret that Nicks has one of the strongest vocal registers in her generation. However, if there were ever any debate, naysayers would only need to revisit this bridge to set the record straight. Nicks has many iconic vocal moments, but the bridge in “Gypsy” stands out from the rest.
The Bridge: To the gypsy that remains / Faces freedom with a little fear / I have no fear, I have only love / And if I was a child / And the child was enough / Enough for me to love / Enough to love
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.