What is a Tag (Music)?

A tag in music is a short musical phrase that is repeated at the end of a section or at the end of a song. It is often used to emphasize the final line of lyrics or a melodic idea, helping create a memorable or dramatic ending.

Tags are commonly found at the end of a chorus or during the closing moments of a song. Instead of ending immediately, the final phrase may repeat several times, sometimes with slight variations in harmony, rhythm, or vocal delivery.

In vocal music, tags are often used to highlight an important lyric or hook. Singers may repeat the last line while instruments gradually fade out or build toward a final musical resolution.

Tags appear in many genres of music, including pop, gospel, jazz, and musical theater. They are used as a songwriting technique to reinforce a musical idea and give the song a more satisfying or expressive ending.