Christian Songwriting: Lyric Writing - Rhyme Patterns

Rhymes don't generally just appear haphazardly, but usually follow certain widely-used patterns. It doesn't matter if you're a novice, or an expert, it's easy to get stuck in a rut. So perhaps these examples will give you some ideas for variation.

1. ABAB

This means that lines 1 and 3 rhyme, and lines 2 and 4 rhyme as in the verses of Carman's "Lord, I Love You." Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is also a good example, because even though each verse begins with this pattern, it doesn't stick with it, and the spoken section uses our next pattern AABB.

Here's an example from a song I wrote called, "The Labourers Are Few:"

Look around you to the fields of harvest For the fields of harvest are white. There's a line to cross for the children of darkness If they want to be children of the light.

2. AABB

This means that lines 1 and 2 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 rhyme. Don Francisco's "God's Reply" uses this pattern throughout, as do the verses of "Chance I Have To Take" (sung by Bob Carlisle, written by Mike Demus and Bill Deaton). Also check oout PFR's "It's You Jesus" and Carman's "Sunday School Rock". Here's an example in a song I wrote called "Are You Ready?"

Are you ready for the coming of the Lord? Do you realise the power of His word? Have you given Him control? Is He living in your soul? Do you love to see His coming? Is your life all set to roll?

Now read: Lyric Writing - Rhyme Patterns 2

Lyric Writing - Rhyme | Lyric Writing - Lyrical Hooks | Song Content - Song Plan | Song Structure | Musical Elements | Rhythmic Devices | Melody Writing | Writer's Block