As a professional songwriter, I've had the privilege of exploring various styles of songwriting over the years and coming to appreciate them all. One thing I've learned is that lyrics are essentially poems set to music, and just like poems, they can have many different rhyme schemes.

From the classic AABB to the more intricate ABAB or free verse, there are countless ways to structure a song.

Rhymes within these musical poems can certainly be pleasing to listen to, as they create a sense of cohesion and rhythm. However, rhyming isn't a strict requirement for lyric writing. In fact, some of the most powerful and memorable lyrics break away from traditional rhyming patterns and focus instead on emotional depth, storytelling, and raw expression.

In this article, we'll explore whether songs need to follow a rhyming scheme and how you can experiment with different lyrical structures to make your music more impactful.

Why We Rhyme

Let's first start off by talking about the positive aspects of using rhymes in writing. Many writers use it, so there must be a reason, right?

Rhyming is one of the most fundamental tools in songwriting. It can significantly strengthen a song's form and structure when used properly.

Good rhyming provides lyrics with symmetry and cohesion , making them more memorable for listeners. They can also create predictable patterns that give the song a solid framework, much like the foundation of a building. Humans love structural predictability, as it helps us follow along and connect with a better understanding.

When done well, rhyming can also be incredibly creative and clever.

In a way, they provide cadential endings in lyrics, similar to how chords like a V-I would resolve a musical phrase. Just as a well-placed chord can provide a satisfying resolution to a melody, a well-chosen rhyme can bring a lyrical line to a natural conclusion. Sure, ending on an obvious rhyme can seem elementary, but when it's done with craftsmanship, it can show off a songwriter's ability to play with language and sound.

Plus, by changing rhyme placement, we can alter the energy and emphasis of certain phrases. For example, exact rhymes at the end of lines can create a strong, rhythmic impact, while internal rhymes within a line offer greater subtlety.

Consider Eminem's "Lose Yourself." The ends of the lines are exact rhymes , which help create that driving rhythm to propel the song forward:

His palms are sweaty

Knees weak, arms are heavy

There's vomit on his sweater already

Mom's spaghetti

Eminem also uses some internal rhymes to add layers to his lyrics:

He's nervous , but on the surface , he looks calm and ready,

To drop bombs , but he keeps on forgetting

The internal rhymes ("nervous," "surface," "bombs," "on") add a flow and intricacy that make the song more energetic. An intricate rhyme scheme like this one is a great example of how changing rhyme placement can dynamically influence the feel and impact of a song.

Why Not to Rhyme

While rhyming can be a powerful tool in songwriting, it also has its downsides.

One of the most significant drawbacks is that it can sometimes come off as cheesy or forced, leading to lyrics that lack depth or meaning. When you prioritize rhyming over content, you risk producing lines that feel hollow or contrived.

For instance, using simple, predictable, perfect rhymes like "love" and "above" can sound clichéd if not handled with care:

I found my true love ,

Sent from above .

If that made you cringe as much as it did me, then you can see my point.

Sure, these lines rhyme, but they don't convey much substance or originality.

Another challenge with rhyming is that it limits the number of words you can choose from, making it difficult to write lyrics that both rhyme and sound natural. Finding words that fit both the rhyme scheme and the intended message can be a daunting task. Beginner songwriters often end up trying to force rhymes and, as a result, end up with awkward phrasing that disrupts the flow of the song.

The best way to improve as a songwriter is to study the lyrics of your favorite songwriters, paying attention to how they handle rhyming endings or approximate rhyming , which is a form of rhyming where words don't match exactly.

Some popular songs even use a mixture of rhyming and non-rhyming words. Let's take R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," for example.

That summer feeling, doesn't it fade away ?

Like a slow fuse burning out at the end of the day

Tired of myself and this confused asylum I built

I thought I knew the way, but I just learned to steal

As you can see, "fade away" and "day" offer perfect rhymes, while "built" and "steal" don't rhyme at all, giving the song a more conversational feel.

The same could be said for Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come."

This song relies heavily on non-rhyming lines but uses rhyme for emphasis:

I was born by the river in a little tent

Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin' ever since

It's been a long time comin' but I know

A change is gonna come

Other Lyric Writing Tools to Strengthen Your Lyrics

Beyond rhyming, there are dozens of tools available to help you write compelling lyrics. Let's take a look at some of the key techniques.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words that are close to each other in a line or phrase. This technique is great for creating a rhythmic and sonic flow.

The Sugarhill Gang hip-hop classic, "Rapper's Delight," is one of the best examples of alliteration in popular music.

I said a hip, hop, the hippie, the hippie

The hip hip hooray, the hip hip hooray

You gotta you gotta dance to the beat, vampire

You gotta you gotta c'mon take your seat

The "h" sound is prominent throughout the first verse, with "hip," "hippie," "hooray," "have," "hear," and "hot" all hitting the ear in quick succession. This creates a catchy, energetic feel that complements the way he's bragging about his rapping skills.

Consonance

Consonance is very similar to alliteration, but instead of focusing on the first letter sound of words, it emphasizes the repetition of consonant sounds anywhere within nearby words.

Let's look at the intro line for Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody":

Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

The "s" sound is prominent: "Is," "this," "Is," "this," "just," "fantasy." This creates a smooth, contemplative feel and gives the line its fluid motion.

Assonance

Assonance is unique in that it focuses on the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words rather than consonants.

We can hear this in John Lennon's "Imagine."

Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try

The long "i" vowel sound is repeated throughout the line: "Imagine," "it's," and "if."

Imagery

Imagery is one of my favorite songwriting tools, and, in my opinion, it far trumps rhyme.

With imagery, we use descriptive language to create mental pictures or sensory details in a song. It's great for transporting a listener to a specific place, time, or situation and evokes certain emotions.

"Hotel California" by the Eagles is a great example of imagery in song lyrics:

On a dark desert highway
Cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas,
Rising up through the air

Right off the bat, this song paints a picture of the scene, and adds a few perfect rhymes on the last word of the second and fourth lines while doing so.

Finding Your Songwriting Style

The mark of a great song doesn't rely solely on rhyming. Rather, it hinges on several core elements, like how well you can resonate emotionally with the listener, tell a compelling story, or write a strong, memorable melody.

A song's ability to connect with its audience on a deeper level is what truly makes it stand out.

While rhyming is a great tool to have in your back pocket, it shouldn't come at the expense of the essential qualities above. Don't force a rhyme that doesn’t fit the narrative or emotional tone, as you'll just detract from the song’s overall impact. Strike a balance, however, and you can write rhymes that complement the lyrics without overshadowing the music or the message.

Have fun writing!