Song Structure: The Backbone of a Successful Drag King Performance

When dreaming up your next Drag King performance, it’s useful to start by choosing your song. Why? Because a song already has a built-in structure.

Traditionally, a song starts with an introduction leading to the first verse. This is where the storytelling begins. The pre-chorus is like a mini introduction to the Chorus, letting us know that something is building. It’s about to happen.

And it does! The Chorus is the banger. The earworm gets into our heads and goes around and around and around. It’s often the anthem-like singalong. And because it repeats, it becomes a familiar safe place for the audience/listener.

The second verse continues the story. But wait, there’s a twist, a change in tone… it’s the bridge! The part of the song that is in contrast to the rest of the song. It makes songs interesting and refreshes us before taking us back to the familiar safe place of the singalong Chorus.

Verse three is the final part of the story and we fade out with the last Chorus.

Let’s look at an example: “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top, a quintessential Drag King classic with a male vocal. This song offers everything you need to craft a swagger-filled performance, combining masculinity, style, and confidence.

The introduction immediately hooks the audience with its iconic guitar riff, setting the mood for what’s to come. This is your moment to walk out onto the stage, fully embodying your Drag King persona. Whether you’re portraying a smooth-talking ladies' man or a cool, confident gentleman, this is where the storytelling begins.

The first verse comes in strong: “Clean shirt, new shoes…” — and it’s the perfect opportunity to use the lyrics to your advantage. You can interact with the audience by adjusting your jacket, straightening your tie, or showing off your “sharp dressed” look. Every move you make should reflect the presence you’re building. The audience is beginning to see exactly who you are.

As the pre-chorus arrives, “They come runnin' just as fast as they can…” — the energy builds. You’re setting the audience up for the big moment, letting them know something exciting is about to hit.

And then, the Chorus: “'Cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man.” This is the anthem-like part of the song where you can turn up the charisma. Whether you’re lip-syncing or fully immersed in the performance, this is the time to strut your stuff, showcasing your persona’s confidence and charm. It’s the earworm that will have the audience singing along and rooting for your King.

The second verse continues the storytelling, giving you another chance to bring in more layers of your character. Maybe you play with props, show off some slick dance moves, or even throw in a wink to keep the audience engaged. The song’s natural flow helps you guide the audience through your performance, making it easy to keep them entertained.

Then, the bridge arrives with its distinctive shift in energy. This is the perfect moment to introduce a twist, whether it's a change in movement or character expression, keeping the performance dynamic and interesting. Once the bridge ends, you return to the familiarity of the Chorus, closing out the performance with a bang.

By the end of the song, you’ve taken the audience on a journey of style, swagger, and storytelling. A song like “Sharp Dressed Man” gives you a strong structure to work with, making it a go-to for any aspiring Drag King looking to leave an impression.

So, what will your next Drag King song be? Whether you go for rock, hip-hop, or something else, choosing a song with male vocals is a great way to ground your performance in classic Drag King energy.

Xx Danica Lani

The King Coach

P.S. Wanna be a Drag King? Click here to join the Kings of Joy community

Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach, here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored, choreographed, and produced 102 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together, embracing our true selves and cheering each other on! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy 

Photo credit: 📸 Sarah Malone