

Often, this last line has a completely different amount of syllables as the three lines before it.

The AAAX rhyming scheme means that everything rhymes except for the very last line in the verse. Instead of spending hours and hours trying to think of one word, try keeping the line you have and inserting it as the “X” line in this form! AAAX You’ve also probably found yourself in some instances where you can’t think of the perfect rhyme. Using the AXAA or AAXA form can be a great way of breaking up too much repetition. Notice how the first chorus uses an AAAA rhyming scheme by the repetition of “ya.” An example of this rhyming scheme can be found in the second half of the chorus in “ Grenade” by Bruno Mars. However, they have a line (either line 2 or 3) that doesn’t rhyme with the others. The snow glows white on the mountain tonightĪXAA and AAXA are very close to the AAAA rhyming scheme. You can find the XAXA form right at the beginning of “ Let it Go” from Frozen. This is a great way to structure some phrasing within your songs. Think of lines 1 and 3 as the beginning of a thought and lines 2 and 4 as the end. The XAXA rhyming scheme means that the rhyming of lines 1 and 3 doesn’t matter as long as lines 2 and 4 rhyme. I just want to tell you that I’ve had enoughĪABB works very well in the choruses of songs, so if you’re ever stuck on a catchy hook, try using this form to push you through! XAXA You can also find the AABB rhyming scheme in “ Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC. I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out When the sharpest words wanna cut me down An example of AABB is found in “ This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. In an AABB rhyming scheme, lines 1 and 2 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 share a different rhyme.

The ABAB form works well with four lines however, you can make it 6, 8, or any other number! AABB The traditional English tune, “ Scarborough Fair,” demonstrates this rhyming pattern. The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvationĪBAB form is commonly used in traditional poetry and songs. An example of ABAB can be found in the verses of Toto‘s “ Africa.”īut she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation In a four-line verse, an ABAB rhyme scheme would mean that lines 1 and 3 share a rhyme, and lines 2 and 4 share a different rhyme. A great way to avoid this is to do what Ed Sheeran did in “ The A Team” and create rhymes by using two words instead of one. Though the AAAA rhyming scheme is great to experiment with, you should be fairly cautious of your rhymes sounding too forced or repetitive. Ed Sheeran‘s “ The A Team” is a fantastic example of the AAAA form, and he even sneaks in an internal rhyme that fits nicely in the song structure. This type of rhyme scheme can also be found in songs with more than 4 lines in a verse or chorus. I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be They say that time’s supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet A great example of this type of rhyme can be found in the verses of “ Hello” by Adele. The AAAA rhyme scheme is a scheme in which every line rhymes.

Internal rhymes can be fun to experiment with in songwriting, but end rhymes are the rhymes that define the structure of the song. A word at the end of a line rhyming with one or more words in the middle of the following line.Two or more rhyming words appearing in the middle of two separate lines or sometimes in more.Two or more rhyming words occurring within the same line.But before we get into it, we should mention that these rhyming schemes apply to end rhymes.Īn end rhyme is defined as when a poem or verse has lines ending with words that sound the same.Įnd rhymes are the m rhymes used in songwriting, as opposed to internal rhymes, which are: You can use these different formats as a base for your songwriting, as well as a resource for when you get stuck. We want to help you become more comfortable and efficient with rhyming by sharing some rhyming schemes. However, to most, finding the perfect rhyme is something that requires brainstorming. To some, transforming thoughts into colorful rhymes comes easily. However, trying to think of the perfect rhyme can lead to some serious writer’s block. Rhymes create structure within songs, place emphasis on specific thoughts, and are incredibly pleasing to the ear. When it comes to songwriting, rhymes are an essential part of the formula.
