The Song of the Year is one of the four most prestigious awards in the Grammy Awards ceremony, if not in all of the American music industry. It has been awarded since 1959 to the composer (not the performer) of the song in question. It is almost always the case that one or more recordings are nominated for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, and one recording may be awarded both awards. Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for music released in the previous year.

Unlike Record of the Year, which goes to the performer and production team of a single song, Song of the Year goes to the composer(s) of the song.