Words That Rhyme

Do you want to know how to write better lyrics? Well try improving the way you use internal rhyme and the choice of rhyme sheme you use.

In this lesson you will learn about:

• The importance of rhyme;
• Words that rhyme;
• The different types of rhyme;
• Rhyming schemes.

 

The Importance of Rhyme:

• Makes a song more memorable;
• Pleasing to the ear.

Types of Rhyme:

When it comes to rhyming there are two main types:

1. Perfect Rhyme
   A perfect rhyme is when the words start with different sounds but end with the same.
   For example:
   • Die - Pie
   • Bad - Mad
   • Missing - Kissing
   • Careful - Tearful
   
   
2. Imperfect Rhyme
   These are words that sound similar but don't rhyme exactly.
   For example:
   • Aching - Shaky
   • Around - Down

Within these two types of rhymes, you can also find:

1. Open Rhymes
   Open rhymes don't end with a hard consonant which makes them sound softer. They work well when used against a sustained note.
   For example:
   • Show - Know
   • Be - Me
   
   
2. Closed Rhymes
   These rhymes do end with a hard consonant which makes them more difficult to sustain when sung.
   For example:
   • Non-sustainable consonants - e.g. B, D, K, P, Q and T words (e.g. said, look, drop)
   • Sustainable but unpleasant consonants - e.g. F, S, V and Z words (e.g. leaf, lives)
   
   
3. Internal Rhymes
   Instead of rhyming the last words of a line try rhyming words in the middle of lines.
   For example:
   • I got in my CAR to drive away
     But didn't get FAR I need to stay
     
     Using words that rhyme at the end of your lines will pull your song together, but don't over do it as it becomes too predictable.