When it comes to songwriting, rhymes are an essential part of the formula. Rhymes create structure within songs, place emphasis on specific thoughts, and are incredibly pleasing to the ear. However, trying to think of the perfect rhyme can lead to some serious writer’s block.

To some, transforming thoughts into colorful rhymes comes easily. However, to most, finding the perfect rhyme is something that requires brainstorming. We want to help you become more comfortable and efficient with rhyming by sharing some rhyming schemes. You can use these different formats as a base for your songwriting, as well as a resource for when you get stuck. But before we get into it, we should mention that these rhyming schemes apply to end rhymes.

An end rhyme is defined as when a poem or verse has lines ending with words that sound the same.

End rhymes are the m rhymes used in songwriting, as opposed to internal rhymes, which are:

• Two or more rhyming words occurring within the same line
• Two or more rhyming words appearing in the middle of two separate lines or sometimes in more
• A word at the end of a line rhyming with one or more words in the middle of the following line

Internal rhymes can be fun to experiment with in songwriting, but end rhymes are the rhymes that define the structure of the song.

AAAA

The AAAA rhyme scheme is a scheme in which every line rhymes. A great example of this type of rhyme can be found in the verses of “Hello” by Adele.

Hello, it’s me
I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet
To go over everything
They say that time’s supposed to heal ya, but I ain’t done much healing

Hello, can you hear me
I’m in California dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I’ve forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet

This type of rhyme scheme can also be found in songs with more than 4 lines in a verse or chorus. 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.

And they say
She’s in the Class A Team
She’s stuck in her daydream
Been this way since eighteen
But lately, her face seems
Slowly sinking, wasting
Crumbling like pastries

Though the AAAA rhyming scheme is great to experiment with, you should be fairly cautious of your rhymes sounding too forced or repetitive. 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.

ABAB

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. An example of ABAB can be found in the verses of Toto‘s “Africa.”

I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in, 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation

ABAB form is commonly used in traditional poetry and songs. The traditional English tune, “Scarborough Fair,” demonstrates this rhyming pattern.

Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
For once she was a true love of mine

The ABAB form works well with four lines; however, you can make it 6, 8, or any other number!

AABB

In an AABB rhyming scheme, lines 1 and 2 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 share a different rhyme. An example of AABB is found in “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be
This is me

Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies
This is me

You can also find the AABB rhyming scheme in “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC.

Don’t want to be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby bye bye bye
Don’t really want to make it tough
I just want to tell you that I’ve had enough
It might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby bye bye bye

AABB 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

The XAXA rhyming scheme means that the rhyming of lines 1 and 3 doesn’t matter as long as lines 2 and 4 rhyme. Think of lines 1 and 3 as the beginning of a thought and lines 2 and 4 as the end. This is a great way to structure some phrasing within your songs. You can find the XAXA form right at the beginning of “Let it Go” from Frozen.

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen
A kingdom of isolation
And it looks like I’m the queen

Another example of XAXA form can be found in the classic holiday favorite, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

AXAA or AAXA

AXAA and AAXA are very close to the AAAA rhyming scheme. However, they have a line (either line 2 or 3) that doesn’t rhyme with the others. An example of this rhyming scheme can be found in the second half of the chorus in “Grenade” by Bruno Mars. Notice how the first chorus uses an AAAA rhyming scheme by the repetition of “ya.”

I’d catch a grenade for ya
Throw my head on a blade for ya
I’d jump in front of a train for ya
You know I’d do anything for ya

I would go through all this pain
Take a bullet straight through my brain
Yes I would die for you baby
But you won’t do the same

Using the AXAA or AAXA form can be a great way of breaking up too much repetition. You’ve also probably found yourself in some instances where you can’t think of the perfect rhyme. 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

The AAAX rhyming scheme means that everything rhymes except for the very last line in the verse. Often, this last line has a completely different amount of syllables as the three lines before it. An example of the AAAX form can be found in “Fix You” by Coldplay.

Another example of AAAX is in the iconic Louis Armstrong tune, “What A Wonderful World.”

If you look at the big picture of both of these examples, you could also label them AAAB, since “reverse” and “worse” rhyme in the Coldplay example and “world” is used twice in “What A Wonderful World.” Similar to the AXAA and AAXA rhyming schemes, AAAX (or AAAB) is a great way to break up repetitive sounding rhymes. It’s also the perfect way to emphasize a particular line or lyric.

XXXX

Yes, there are some songs in which none of the end phrases rhyme! XXXX is the rhyming scheme with no rhymes, and it can be tricky to pull off. In instances where XXXX is used, there must be more focus placed on the rhythm and flow of the lyrics.

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles is an example of the XXXX form. Notice how there is some use of internal rhyming, so the verse isn’t completely absent of rhymes.

Hey Jude, don’t let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better

Similar to “Hey Jude,” Ed Sheeran also uses an internal rhyme in his XXXX verse of “I See Fire” from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. You will also notice that this verse tells a story, so it pulls the listener along without the use of rhymes.

If this is to end in fire
Then we should all burn together
Watch the flames climb high into the night
Calling out for the rope, sent by and we will
Watch the flames burn on and on the mountainside

The XXXX form proves that rhymes aren’t absolutely necessary to make a song. So if you have a verse or chorus that feels and sounds good to you but doesn’t have any rhymes, don’t sweat it! Focus on the rhythm and feel of the section, and grab a second opinion. In any case, rhymes will likely find their way into other parts of your song.

Combinations

Many times, your songs will have verses or choruses that exceed 4 lines. You can repeat any of the previously listed rhyming schemes to fit your verse, or, you can work with a combination! “Kiss” by Prince uses both XAXA and AAAA in the chorus.

Although many songs follow some sort of rhyme scheme, there’s no definite right or wrong way to rhyme in your lyrics. These rhyme schemes are designed to help and guide you in your songwriting, not to restrict you. And if rhyming is tough for you now, the more you write with rhymes, the easier it will become. The rhyming schemes we’ve talked about are a great place to start. You can also check out our article “Beat Your Songwriting Block With These 5 Exercises” for some extra help! All things considered, the best way to get better at songwriting is to keep on writing. So don’t give up! Write as much as you can and then write some more. We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy writing!