middle eight
A middle eight, also known as a bridge, is a contrasting section in the middle of a song that provides a kind of fresh perspective. Within a classic 32-bar song form (see AABA), it usually follows the second chorus (i.e., bars 17–24). It may have lyrics or be purely instrumental. An example is the lines: "And when I touch you I feel happy inside/ It's such a feeling that my love I can't hide" from "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles.