The article raises the question of the meaning and functions of the song refrain and its connection the main verses. As a result of the analysis of couplet songs from the movie “June 31” (words by R. Kazakova, L. Derbenev, Yu. Entin) we came to the conclusion that the refrain, as a recurring element of the song, performs several functions: reveals the inner world of the lyrical hero, his values, emotions; expresses the main idea of the work; concisely expresses the plot. The refrain is combined with verses, most often with the principle of “part – whole”, sometimes with oppositions. There are differences depending on the pathos of the songs: the refrains of lyrical songs differ in semantic and functional diversity.