Essential Songwriter's Rhyming Dictionary

Synopsis

Acclaimed by the New York Times as "part muse, part quick reference," this pocket-sized dictionary is an easy-to-use tool geared specifically toward the contemporary songwriter. A concise collection of the most-often used words in popular music, the simple format allows for fast reference, while the 15,000 entries provide more than ample rhyming options.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Rhyming
The first chapter of the Essential Songwriter’s Rhyming Dictionary provides an overview of the importance of rhyming in songwriting. It explains that rhymes add complexity and interest to lyrics, and help to create a cohesive and memorable song. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding the different types of rhymes, such as perfect, imperfect, and near rhymes, in order to effectively incorporate them into songs.

To illustrate the importance of rhyming, let’s take a look at the popular song “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. In the chorus, the lyrics “I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in” perfectly rhyme with “dive in,” creating a strong connection between the two lines. This repetition of similar sounds helps to reinforce the song’s main message of taking risks and diving into love. The use of perfect rhyming in this example adds depth and emotion to the lyrics, making the song more impactful.

Chapter 2: Perfect Rhymes
The second chapter delves deeper into perfect rhymes, which are those that have identical vowel and consonant sounds at the end of two or more words. This is the most common type of rhyme used in songwriting and can be further divided into five subcategories: single, double, triple, compound, and extended perfect rhymes.

One example of a song that uses triple perfect rhymes is “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars. In the song’s pre-chorus, Mars sings, “Saturday night and we in the spot / Don't believe me, just watch (Come on).” The words “spot” and “watch” perfectly rhyme with “not” and “on”, respectively, creating a catchy and memorable chorus. The use of triple perfect rhymes in this section adds a playful and rhythmic element to the song.

Chapter 3: Imperfect Rhymes
Chapter 3 introduces the concept of imperfect rhymes, which are those that have similar but not identical sounds at the end of two or more words. This type of rhyme is often used in songwriting to add variation and surprise to lyrics, and can be found in various forms such as assonance, consonance, and vowel substitution.

One example of a song that uses consonance imperfect rhymes is “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna. In the chorus, she sings, “And you got me like, oh / What you want from me?…” The words “me” and “oh” have different consonant sounds, but they both end with the same vowel sound, creating a subtle but effective rhyme. This imperfect rhyme adds a sense of longing and vulnerability to the lyrics, contributing to the overall emotion of the song.

Chapter 4: Near Rhymes and More
Near rhymes, also known as slant rhymes or off-rhymes, are the focus of the fourth chapter. These are words that almost rhyme but have a slight deviation in either vowel or consonant sounds. The chapter also discusses other types of rhymes such as eye rhymes, which are words that look like they should rhyme but do not when spoken aloud.

An example of a near rhyme can be found in the song “Someone Like You” by Adele, where she sings, “Never mind, I'll find someone like you / I wish nothing but the best for you…” The words “you” and “you” are not perfect rhymes, but they have a similar sound and repetition that creates a satisfying rhyme. This use of near rhyme adds a melodic quality to the chorus, making it easy to sing along to.

Chapter 5: Rhyme Schemes
Chapter 5 explores the concept of rhyme schemes, which are patterns of rhymes used within a song. These can vary greatly and can include alternating, couplet, and internal rhyme schemes, among others. The chapter also discusses how the placement of rhymes within a song can impact the overall flow and impact of the lyrics.

One example of a song with a complex rhyme scheme is “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. In the first verse, he raps, “You better lose yourself in the music, the moment / You own it, you better never let it go / You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow…” In this section, the rhyme scheme alternates between perfect, imperfect, and near rhymes, creating a dynamic and constantly evolving flow. This use of varied and precise rhyme schemes adds to the intensity and urgency of the song’s message.

Overall, the Essential Songwriter’s Rhyming Dictionary provides a comprehensive guide to the various types of rhymes and how they can be effectively used in songwriting. Each chapter includes useful information and examples, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced songwriters. By understanding the principles of rhyming and incorporating them into their lyrics, songwriters can enhance the impact and appeal of their songs.