Rhyme in English Twentieth-century Popular Songs (and Some Other Genres)

Abstract

An examination of the rhyming practice of a number of poets, especially twentieth-century songwriters, suggests that there are several rhyming traditions within English, distinguished at least in part by their use of imperfect rhymes. A more nuanced classification of imperfect rhymes than is usual in literary studies is necessary to bring out some of the patterns which emerge. In particular, the importance of nasality in the rhyme-constituent of the stressed syllable in a rhyming foot is emphasised. Different patterns of imperfect rhyme are found in nasal and in non-nasal environments. Even within these contrasting traditions, there is a great deal of individual variation in what constitutes an acceptable rhyme.