Perform a song vs Play a song

Both 'perform a song' and 'play a song' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Perform a song' is typically used when referring to singing or playing music in front of an audience, while 'play a song' is more commonly used when talking about playing a recorded song or playing an instrument. The choice between the two depends on the specific situation and the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2434 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to singing or playing music in front of an audience.

"Perform a song"

This phrase is used when someone is singing or playing music in front of an audience, such as in a concert, recital, or performance.

Examples:

She will perform a song at the talent show.
The band will perform their new song at the music festival.
He performed a beautiful song on the piano.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have contacted Kitty Dukakis, who will be the guest speaker at an assembly... where your Glee Club will perform a song... highlighting the dangers of teenage drinking.
Laura will perform a song she wrote herself.
And to perform a song, here is Dave's best man, Kai Booker.
Tonight I am going to perform a song that I've loved since I was six.
And you're just in time, because tomorrow the girls and I are going to perform a song for Glee Club extolling the benefits of celibacy.
And if that wasn't enough for you, here to perform a song from his new album, my second cousin by marriage, Travis barker!

Alternatives:

sing a song
play a song live
entertain with a song
deliver a song
present a song

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about playing a recorded song or playing an instrument.

"Play a song"

This phrase is used when someone is playing a recorded song, playing an instrument, or selecting a song to be played.

Examples:

Can you play a song on the guitar for us?
She played a beautiful song on the piano.
He always plays the same song on his radio show.

Show examples from the web [+]

Maybe you could play a song on your recorder.
That's what it feels like to play a song sort of together.
Better allow me to play a song for you and the Queen.
We want Tom to play a song or two for us on his banjo.
I wanted to play a song tonight Written by someone very special to me.
I feel the urge to play a song.
Maybe you could play a song on your recorder.
What he used to do for us was play a song on acoustic guitar and we'd quickly go through the chords and then we'd play the song.
OK, Now we'd like to play a song in tribute to a great man, a great mathematician,
I could name names, but I don't want to because I've tried to get certain songs and I could offer them $10 million to play a song once and they would turn it down.
Play a song by the Ramones At the decibel level consistent with that used In your average concert.
I had just asked the DJ to play a song.
Here, play a song for me. Hannah.
This is usually where we play a song.
Go play a song on the jukebox.
I wanted to play a song for Debra.
Now, it is time to play a song for the guy who... said he doesn't want anything from me.
Could you play a song that will make her smile?
Gaute Ormaysen, will you play a song for us?
Okay. searching for the Drax Flute, Right. which he needs to use to play a song implanted in his head by his father that he believes will open a wormhole back to his home planet.

Alternatives:

perform a song
listen to a song
choose a song to play
put on a song
start a song

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Perform a song vs Play a song

"Perform a song"

"Play a song"

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