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Song vs. Hymn — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 8, 2024
A song is a musical composition with vocals, varying widely in style, while a hymn is a religious song, specifically composed for worship or prayer.
Song vs. Hymn — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Song and Hymn

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Key Differences

A song is a broad term that encompasses any musical composition which combines vocal melody with musical instruments. Its themes can be diverse, ranging from love and heartbreak to social and political issues. In contrast, a hymn is a type of song explicitly dedicated to religious worship or prayer, often characterized by its solemn tone and lyrical focus on divine subjects and devotion.
While songs are found in nearly all cultures and musical genres, reflecting a wide array of emotions and stories, hymns are specifically designed for congregational singing in religious settings. Hymns typically have a structured format, with verses and a recurring chorus that emphasizes spiritual beliefs and values, whereas songs may have a more flexible structure, tailored to the artist's creative vision.
The lyrical content of a song can be secular or non-secular, touching upon any aspect of human experience, without restrictions. Hymns, however, are distinguished by their spiritual or religious lyrics, which are meant to praise, worship, or communicate religious narratives, often drawing directly from sacred texts.
Songs are a fundamental part of popular culture, performed and enjoyed in a variety of settings, from concerts and festivals to personal listening devices. Hymns, while also capable of being performed in concerts, are most commonly associated with religious gatherings and ceremonies, playing a key role in the communal aspects of worship.
Despite their differences, both songs and hymns hold significant cultural and emotional power. Songs can influence social movements, represent cultural identities, and evoke a wide range of emotions. Hymns, on the other hand, serve to unite individuals in shared beliefs, provide comfort, and facilitate spiritual reflection and connection.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A musical composition with vocals, which can cover a broad range of themes.
A religious song or ode, composed for worship or prayer.

Themes

Diverse, including love, social issues, and personal stories.
Solemn, focusing on spiritual beliefs, worship, and devotion.

Structure

Can vary widely, often includes verses, chorus, and bridge.
Structured, typically with verses and a recurring chorus.

Lyrics

Secular or non-secular, covering any aspect of human experience.
Spiritual or religious, often based on sacred texts.

Common Settings

Concerts, festivals, personal listening devices.
Religious gatherings, ceremonies, and personal devotion.

Compare with Definitions

Song

A vocal musical piece with instrumental accompaniment.
The band's new song topped the charts.

Hymn

Facilitates communal worship and reflection.
Hymns played a crucial role in the service.

Song

A medium for emotional and creative expression.
His songs often discuss themes of freedom and love.

Hymn

A religious song or chant for worship.
The congregation sang hymns in harmony.

Song

Reflects and influences societal trends.
The song became an anthem for the movement.

Hymn

To express religious beliefs and devotion.
Each hymn they sang carried deep spiritual significance.

Song

Flexible, varying from artist to artist.
The song's unique structure breaks conventional patterns.

Hymn

Lyrics often derived from scriptures.
The hymn's verses are direct quotes from the Bible.

Song

Encompasses all music genres and themes.
Her songs range from upbeat pop to reflective ballads.

Hymn

Preserves traditional beliefs and practices.
Ancient hymns connect us to our spiritual heritage.

Song

A song is a musical composition intended to be performed by the human voice. This is often done at distinct and fixed pitches (melodies) using patterns of sound and silence.

Hymn

A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek ὕμνος (hymnos), which means "a song of praise".

Song

A dynasty that ruled in China AD 960–1279.

Hymn

A song of praise or thanksgiving to God or a deity.

Song

A brief composition written or adapted for singing.

Hymn

A song of praise or joy; a paean.

Song

The act or art of singing
Broke into song.

Hymn

To praise, glorify, or worship in or as if in a hymn.

Song

A distinctive or characteristic sound made by an animal, such as a bird or an insect.

Hymn

To sing hymns.

Song

Poetry; verse.

Hymn

A song of praise or worship, especially a religious one.

Song

A lyric poem or ballad.

Hymn

(ambitransitive) To sing a hymn.

Song

A musical composition with lyrics for voice or voices, performed by singing.
Thomas listened to his favorite song on the radio yesterday.

Hymn

(transitive) To praise or extol in hymns.

Song

(by extension) Any musical composition.

Hymn

An ode or song of praise or adoration; especially, a religious ode, a sacred lyric; a song of praise or thanksgiving intended to be used in religious service; as, the Homeric hymns; Watts' hymns.
Admonishing one another in psalms and hymns.
Where angels first should practice hymns, and stringTheir tuneful harps.

Song

Poetical composition; poetry; verse.

Hymn

To praise in song; to worship or extol by singing hymns; to sing.
To hymn the bright of the Lord.
Their praise is hymned by loftier harps than mine.

Song

The act or art of singing.

Hymn

To sing in praise or adoration.

Song

A melodious sound made by a bird, insect, whale or other animal.
I love hearing the song of canary birds.

Hymn

A song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

Song

(ornithology) The distinctive sound that a male bird utters to attract a mate or to protect his territory; contrasts with call; also, similar vocalisations made by female birds.

Hymn

Sing a hymn

Song

A low price, especially one under the expected value; chiefly in for a song.
He bought that car for a song.

Hymn

Praise by singing a hymn;
They hymned their love of God

Song

An object of derision; a laughing stock.

Song

That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect, etc.

Song

A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.

Song

More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.
The bard that first adorned our native tongueTuned to his British lyre this ancient song.

Song

Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
This subject for heroic song.

Song

An object of derision; a laughingstock.
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.

Song

A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it for a song.

Song

A short musical composition with words;
A successful musical must have at least three good songs

Song

A distinctive or characteristic sound;
The song of bullets was in the air
The song of the wind
The wheels sang their song as the train rocketed ahead

Song

The act of singing;
With a shout and a song they marched up to the gates

Song

The characteristic sound produced by a bird;
A bird will not learn its song unless it hears it at an early age

Song

A very small sum;
He bought it for a song

Song

The imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

Common Curiosities

What defines a song?

A musical composition with vocals that can express a wide range of themes and emotions.

Are hymns only sung in churches?

Primarily, yes, but they can also be performed in concerts and personal spaces for devotion.

How does the structure of hymns differ from that of songs?

Hymns often have a more structured format designed for congregational singing, while songs can vary widely in structure.

What is the primary purpose of a hymn?

To facilitate worship, praise, and spiritual reflection within a religious context.

Can songs have religious themes like hymns?

Yes, songs can cover religious themes, but hymns are specifically crafted for worship and prayer.

What role do hymns play in religious ceremonies?

They are integral to worship, encouraging unity, spiritual reflection, and expression of faith.

How do songs influence society?

Songs can reflect and influence societal values, trends, and movements.

What's the difference between a hymn and a psalm?

A psalm is a song or hymn from the Bible, specifically the Book of Psalms, whereas hymns can be any religious song of worship.

Can hymns be found in all religions?

Most religions have some form of hymn or religious song used in their practices.

Do all hymns have the same musical style?

No, hymns can vary in musical style, reflecting the diversity of religious practices and cultural influences.

Why are hymns important in religious traditions?

They preserve religious teachings, facilitate communal worship, and express collective beliefs.

What makes a song popular?

A combination of melody, lyrics, and sometimes its relevance to current events or emotions.

Can a song become a hymn?

If a song is adopted by a religious community for worship and fits the criteria of devotion and praise, it can function as a hymn.

How are new hymns created?

Often by individuals inspired by their faith, scriptures, and desire to contribute to worship.

How has the role of songs and hymns changed over time?

While their core purposes have remained, their forms and uses have evolved with cultural and technological changes.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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