The dual functions of the Yellow River chant are practical function and artistic expression function. The dual functions of the labor chant are: on the one hand, it can cheer up the spirit, adjust the mood, organize and direct collective labor; On the other hand, it has certain artistic expression value. The relationship between them is mutually restrictive and mutually exclusive. The greater the labor intensity, the greater the restriction on the music performance of the Yellow River chant. On the contrary, the less labor intensity, the more leisure the singers of the Yellow River chant can have to think and give full play to the artistic expression of their music.
Rhythm is one of the main characteristics of the Yellow River chant. The repetition of labor movement and its sense of rhythm endow the rhythm of Yellow River Song with a sense of rhythm.
Another main feature of labor bugle music is that it leads all the people. The most common and typical way to sing the Yellow River bugle is to lead the crowd, and the lead singer is often the command of collective labor. The introduction part is often the main statement part of the lyrics. The form of music is flexible and free, and the lyrics of tunes often change impromptu. Melody often rises, loud and clear, and has the characteristics of being vividly portrayed. The chorus is mostly the lyrics in the interlude or the repeated lead singer. The music is relatively fixed, with little change and strong sense of rhythm, and is often repeated with the same music table or the same rhythm.