What is a hook line?

[Yoda]

Hi!

Maybe you guys can help me with this. Recently I've heard the term "hook" or "hook line" in a discussion of music. First of all, what is it? Second, can someone please give an example of a hook or hook line in a song?

Thank You,

Jessica

[_jr_]

The 'hook', is the part of the song that sticks in your head. LOL. That's the best way I know how to explain it. The refrain, or line, or whatever, that draws you to the song, I suppose. I'm not sure it's always lyrics, either. I suppose it can be a guitar riff, as well. Or drums, or keyboards, who's to say.

For instance, if I say "Satisfaction", the first thing you think of, is the guitar riff in the beginning. That's the hook.

Maybe someone else can explain it better.

[bluesboy]

Another example Jr would be the opening riff of Who Do You Love ? performed by George Thorogood

[Ken]

Ub40'S "Red Red Wine" is a fine example of a hook-y song. I think the hook is the melody that keeps playing in your head. Rap artists usually 'steal' the hook, a la Vanilla Ice stole Queen's "Under Pressure" hook, and then later Puff Daddy, or P. Diddy, or whatever Sean Combs calls hisself these days stole The Police's "I'll be watching you" hook. MC Hammer grabbed Rick James hook for U Can't Touch This (which was Rick James "Superfreak" hook).

Ken.

[bluesboy]

also,

Freddie King - Hide Away

[Kevin]

Ub40'S "Red Red Wine" is a fine example of a hook-y song. I think the hook is the melody that keeps playing in your head. Rap artists usually 'steal' the hook, a la Vanilla Ice stole Queen's "Under Pressure" hook, and then later Puff Daddy, or P. Diddy, or whatever Sean Combs calls hisself these days stole The Police's "I'll be watching you" hook. MC Hammer grabbed Rick James hook for U Can't Touch This (which was Rick James "Superfreak" hook).

Ken.

... and ,unfortunately , most of these hooks and others, are also attached to lines and sinkers, reeling in suckers who give big dough to artists too lazy or uninspired to 'bait' their own hooks .

[Yoda]

Thanks for the help! I appreciate it! I think I've just about got the gist of what a hook is.

You guys are the best!

Much Love,

Jessica

[johnnyguitar]

You just gave me a great idea (probably been done before, but hey)...great opening 'hook' lines....try this

'Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move

Gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove...'

[John]

It's not an opening line, but one of my favorite hooks is from the Santana and Rob Thomas song "Smooth"...

"Give me your heart, make it real, or else forget about it"

[usernameddr]

Walk this way

You think of the Guitar Riff.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

You think of that cool part