shi.rah denotes a composition that may be sung, taught, spoken aloud, or preserved as testimony.

The attested use most often presents a composition taught and spoken among Israel so that it can stand as a witness; elsewhere it is sung or introduced as a composition addressed to the LORD, a well, or a beloved, and it also occurs in construct phrases.

1. A taught composition functioning as witness · dominant

   In Deuteronomy 31:19, the singular absolute form occurs twice in instructions to write the composition, teach it to Israel, and put it in their mouths; the APB renders the clause "write this song for yourselves and teach it to Israel." In Deuteronomy 31:21 it is to testify as a witness when evils and troubles come, while Deuteronomy 31:22, Deuteronomy 31:30, and Deuteronomy 32:44 show Moses writing or speaking its words to Israel.

   Deuteronomy 31:19Deuteronomy 31:21Deuteronomy 31:22Deuteronomy 31:30Deuteronomy 32:44
2. A sung or introduced composition · common

   The singular absolute form accompanies acts of singing in Exodus 15:1 and Numbers 21:17: the APB renders "Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song" and "Then Israel sang this song." In 2 Samuel 22:1, David speaks its words after rescue from enemies; Isaiah 5:1 introduces a composition to a beloved about a vineyard, and Isaiah 23:15 uses the construct form in "the song of the prostitute."

   Exodus 15:1Numbers 21:172 Samuel 22:1Isaiah 5:1Isaiah 23:15Psalm 18:1

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across most occurrences, the APB presents the relevant composition with "song," including material sung, written, taught, or spoken. In Psalm 18:1, the supplied APB gives the spoken address without explicitly using that English label.