What is the Difference Between Song and Hymn?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a song and a hymn lies in their purpose, structure, and musical style. Here are some key differences:
- Purpose: Hymns are formal songs or prayers meant to be sung in congregation, expressing love and adoration for God, while songs are meant to encourage and motivate believers, addressing them rather than God.
- Structure: Hymns typically have a series of verses that tell a story or present an argument, covering more theological ground than other songs. They are often designed for four-part harmony, making them ideal for large-group participation. On the other hand, contemporary worship songs generally reflect the vernacular style of the moment and are often written for solo or small-group performance.
- Musical Style: Hymns are usually self-contained pieces that begin and end with poetry, with instrumental accompaniment maintaining the harmonic structure found in the vocal lines. Contemporary worship songs are more driven by popular music styles and often feature instrumental arrangements that are not based on the vocal lines.
- Lyrics: Hymns often explore God's character and our relationship with Him in great depth, while contemporary songs may lack theological depth due to their shorter length. Hymns also have lyrics that can stand alone as poetry, while the lyrics of contemporary worship songs are typically written to be sung with music.
- Instrumentation: Hymns are often accompanied by an organ or other traditional instruments, while contemporary worship songs may feature various instruments and arrangements.
Comparative Table: Song vs Hymn
Here is a table comparing the differences between songs and hymns:
| Feature | Songs | Hymns |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Contemporary songs may have various forms, such as ABACB, ABABABAA’A, or ABABCCBB | Hymns are typically written in strophic (A) or binary (AB) form |
| Vocal Range | Vocal range is often suited for a particular artist, sometimes making it difficult for congregational singing | Vocal range is typically within the range of most individuals, making it easy for entire congregations to sing |
| Text | Lyrics are often not separable from their music, and vocal harmonies are dictated by the instrumental arrangement and often improvised by performers | Each verse of a hymn typically contains different text |
| Emotional Impact | Many contemporary songs are designed to stir emotions and awaken desire for God | Hymns are more focused on theological depth and doctrinal teaching |
Please note that these differences are general and may not apply to all songs and hymns.
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