Page 102 - Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics - Simon Hawkins

What about other song forms?
While we have spent most of the time in this book working with a generic song form–VCVCBC–Song Maps can certainly be applied to other song forms. For example,
AAA – substitute the Refrain for the Chorus
AABA – similarly, substitute the Refrain for the Chorus
VCVC – incorporate the function of the Bridge (e.g. Payoff) into the end of V2 or even Pre- Chorus 2
VVCVCBC – use V1 and V2 to articulate the V1 idea of the Song Map
While these are the main song forms we tend to work with in commercial songwriting, there are times when the song form can be driven by idea development. Examples of this can be found in modern Worship songs or hymns where V1 and V2 are simply repeating the same lyric with an anthemic Chorus, which leads into an Outro or Bridge, which in turn drives home the central message of the lyric.
It is, therefore, worth experimenting with this. While we are somewhat pre-programmed to expect the traditional song forms above, it is entirely possible that the emotional impact of a well-crafted lyric written in (and served well by) a non-traditional song form could potentially serve your song better.
Exercise
If you have a copy of the Song Maps Workbook, this would be a good time to complete Exercise #12 - Other Song Forms.