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Outro Music: What is an Outro?

Photograph of the blog post author, Annika Hope

Annika Hope

3.7.2023

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Outro music is a musical piece or segment that signals the end of a song or a show. It is the opposite of an intro, which is played at the beginning of a song or show. Outros are typically shorter than intros and are designed to provide a sense of closure or resolution to the listener or viewer. In music, outros can take many forms. 

Some songs end with a fade-out, where the volume gradually decreases until the music is no longer audible. Other songs end with a sudden stop or a final chord that brings the music to a definitive close. 

Outro Music

Features Of Outro Music?

Some outros include a coda, which is a separate musical section that provides a final resolution to the song. In television and film, outros are often used to signal the end of a show or movie. They can include closing credits, a final scene or shot, or a closing theme song. 

Outros are an important part of the overall structure and pacing of a show or movie, as they provide a clear signal to the viewer that the story has come to a close.

Outro Music – How To End A Song

There are several ways to end a song in terms of outros in music, including gradually fading out the sound, using a definitive chord or note, repeating a phrase or melody, or adding a final flourish or coda. The choice often depends on the style and mood of the song, as well as the artistic preferences of the musician or producer.

Outro Music – What Is A Coda?

A coda is a concluding section of a musical piece that is intended to bring the composition to a definite close. It is typically marked by a special symbol in the sheet music and may contain a repetition of an earlier section, a new melody, or a combination of both.

Examples Of Outro Music

Some bands that are known for using outros in their music frequently include Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, and Queen. Let’s take a closer look shall we? 

Hey Jude by The Beatles

“Hey Jude” is a song by the English rock band The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney and released in 1968. It was a commercial and critical success, spending nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song’s lyrics were originally written to console Julian Lennon, John Lennon’s son, during his parents’ divorce. The song features a memorable sing-along chorus and a lengthy coda that features an extended fade-out with McCartney repeating the phrase “na-na-na-na” over and over.

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

“Stairway to Heaven” is a classic rock song by the English band Led Zeppelin. It was released in 1971 and is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The song features a slow, acoustic guitar intro that builds into a powerful, electric guitar-driven crescendo. The lyrics are often interpreted as a metaphor for the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and the song has been the subject of much analysis and discussion. Despite never being released as a single, “Stairway to Heaven” has become one of the most popular and enduring songs in rock history.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a song by the British rock band Queen, written by the lead vocalist Freddie Mercury. It was released in 1975 and is known for its unconventional structure, blending various musical styles including opera, hard rock, and ballad. The song was a commercial success and has since become one of the most iconic and beloved songs in rock history. Its lyrics are open to interpretation, but many believe it tells the story of a man confessing to a murder and facing the consequences. The song has been covered and sampled by numerous artists and has been featured in various films and TV shows.

Xenogenesis by TheFatRat 

“Xenogenesis” is an instrumental electronic dance music track produced by German music producer TheFatRat. It was released in 2014 and gained popularity through its use in various YouTube videos and video games. The track features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and futuristic sound design. The title “Xenogenesis” refers to the concept of the creation of new species through genetic engineering or other means.

Hotel California by The Eagles

“Hotel California” is a song by the American rock band The Eagles. It was released in 1977 and is one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs. The lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on the excesses and pitfalls of the music industry and fame. The song features a memorable guitar solo and has been covered by numerous artists.

Purple Rain by Prince

“Purple Rain” is a song by American musician Prince, released in 1984. It is the title track from the album and film of the same name. The song is a power ballad that combines rock, gospel, and orchestral music. It features a guitar solo by Prince that has been ranked as one of the greatest of all time. The song’s lyrics describe a troubled romantic relationship and the hope for redemption through faith. “Purple Rain” has become one of Prince’s signature songs and is considered a classic of 1980s music.

Don’t Stop Believin by Journey

“Don’t Stop Believin” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1981. It is considered one of the greatest rock anthems of all time and has become a cultural phenomenon. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a midnight train going anywhere. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and sporting events, and has been covered by many artists. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and continues to be a beloved classic.

Paranoid Android by Radiohead

“Paranoid Android” is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, released in 1997 as the lead single from their third studio album, OK Computer. The song’s lyrics were written by Thom Yorke and its music was composed by the entire band. The song features a complex structure and shifts in tone and time signature, with influences from progressive rock and psychedelia. The lyrics touch on themes of modern alienation and anxiety, and the song’s title is a reference to the character Marvin the Paranoid Android from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series. The song has been critically acclaimed and is often considered one of Radiohead’s greatest works.

November Rain by Guns N’ Roses

“November Rain” is a power ballad by the American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, released in 1991. It was written by the band’s lead vocalist Axl Rose and has a length of 8 minutes and 57 seconds. The song features a symphonic orchestration and is known for its iconic guitar solo by Slash. The music video, directed by Andy Morahan, is also notable for its storyline and production value, featuring a wedding, a funeral, and a dramatic rain scene. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and winning a MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography. It is considered one of the greatest rock ballads of all time.

All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

“All Along the Watchtower” is a song written by Bob Dylan and covered by Jimi Hendrix in 1968. Hendrix’s version is widely considered to be one of the greatest guitar performances of all time. The song features Hendrix’s signature guitar work, including his use of distortion and feedback. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but many believe they reflect the chaos and confusion of the time period in which the song was written. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple of classic rock radio.

A Day in the Life by The Beatles

“A Day in the Life” is a song by the Beatles, released on their 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”. It was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and features orchestral arrangements by producer George Martin. The song is known for its innovative structure, combining two separate compositions into one, and its surreal lyrics that touch on themes of death, social commentary, and everyday life. It has been widely praised as one of the greatest songs in rock history, and has been covered by numerous artists.

Summary Of Outro Music

Outro Music

We hope you have enjoyed this article about Outro music. Overall, outros are an important part of music and media production. They provide a sense of closure and resolution to the listener or viewer, and help to structure the overall narrative of a song or show.


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