[Johnnyuk]

.

[Darren1664]

It's tough a one

I do feel rhyme is important in lyric writing as it does help give the listener something to hook onto BUT rhyme should not take a priority for me and sometimes a near rhyme can sound just as good but gives you more options

I also often utilise in line rhyme.

I think the word flow is important too

Regarding the the lyrics pointing to the title or sticking to the message, again it's difficult. Do you decide the subject before you write or does it become clear once the song is written? I've written song just focusing on word flow and rhyme and scribbled down the word as I go, made a few adjustments along the way and the meaning seems to come out of the lyrics that way.

So I think there's different approaches and it's best to learn different ways so that when you hit a block you have other tools at hand

But yes, rhyming is important but not the be all and end all and used wrong can be very cheesy

Darren

[Johnnyuk]

.

[pompeyjazz]

Song lyrics don't have to rhyme. The story is the most important thing

[Johnnyuk]

.

[Skub]

I like my words to rhyme
I do it all the time
It makes me feel they belong in the song
Ain't no crime
To be right or wrong.

 

[CaliaMoko]

I also choose rhyme as my preferred approach, although I have written without it. I consider working for the rhymes, without losing my story, part of the challenge of songwriting. But it's true there are times when the story refuses to be rhymed.

[Katie Wilson]

I do like rhyme - I think if I'm right lots of oasis songs have rhymes and if it's good enough for them

Johnny asked a question
or was it a suggestion
should songs be rhyme or reason
Or Would one be committing treason

If rhyme should be the main factor
or is it in fact the detractor
when writing songs for pleasure
How should one in fact measure
the quality of a song
what is right and what is wrong ?

So I just write what's me
And hope that everyone can see
whatever mode I choose
To write about my ever changing moods
Xxxx

[Cazrolina]

I think that I go with the flow
Let the song “come to me”. Have a go.
Play around with the theme
To inspire, and then preen
Til the BEST words appear. Tallyho!

(Its late...)

[Viscount Cramer & His Orchestra]

I think to ignore rhyme would be a mistake. Songs music are a series of repeated patterns - melodic, harmonic, rhythmic - and this is what appeals to our ear. A repeated vowel sound also appeals to our ears in the same way so i would consider this as well as the content of the lyric storywise. It isn't about sacrificing one for the other, it's about getting both of these elements to work together.

[Johnnyuk]

.

[Mike67]

I tend to let the words come, although I'm much more likely to use rhymes if I'm writing lyrics without a melody in mind. Both can work, but a mix of non rhyming and rhyming can be quite effective.  For example, one where Deadwood and I wrote versus and chorus independently and then glued them together with a prechorus:

You drew a line
Now I'm standing on the edge
of reason. The edge of reason.
You cast the dice,
And you gambled everything.
Was it worth it? Was it worth it?

'Cause nothing's changed.
We're still the same.
There's nothing here,
Nowhere to turn,
And no way back again

If you're ready, we can start again.
We can start again, if you're ready.
We can start again. We can start again.

That probably breaks a dozen rules, but put in the right musical context, works somehow.

[pompeyjazz]

What rhymes with "Oranges" ?

[adamfarr]

I'd say not using rhyme is a bit like only using dissonance (unless you hit a perfect fifth by accident!).


Joking aside, it's tool and a skillset. For me the perfect song is one that uses rhyme, rhythm and message in the right places without apparently compromising on any of them (though you can bet that the writer sweated over one or all).


Rhymes can sound good and people warm to them. But then deliberately not using rhyme where one is expected is a way of creating surprise and discomfort.


I'd say, everything in its place and be deliberate about what we're trying to do (and the options that we have).


By the way what rhymes with "options"?!

[Skub]

What rhymes with "Oranges" ?

Sometime you must be inventive with difficult words John. I find if it sounds phonetically close,then it usually works. Rap music has some fine examples of this way of thinking.

What a fine box of oranges
Can you show me where your storage is?
I'm limited to four inches.