The Cookbook

Time and Time Again

Missy Elliott

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

14

End

161

Internal

44

Multi

123

Slant

4

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2]
No use in talkin'✦ (No), better✦ get to walkin'✦ (Oh)
Better✦ get them chicks who turn tricks 'cause I'm just too smart, man
I hate men who lie (Yes), who look me in my eyes
Come up with alibis for the thousandth time (Ooh)
I won't take bullshit (No), leave your ass with the quickness (Yes)
Because✦ I'm stable and able to live my life alone✦ (Oh)
Boy, I'm through with you (You), no more to say or do (Oh, you)
'Cause you're too confused and it's over✦ and done
[Chorus]
Why do you keep comin'✦ back time and time again?✦ (Yeah)
You promised✦ me you'd change your ways time and time again✦ (Oh, yeah)
I heard the same old line from you time and time again✦
And why I take you back? Because✦ I cannot✦ change a man (Oh, I)
Why do you keep comin'✦ back time and time again?✦ (Oh, why, why? I)
You promised✦ me you'd change your ways time and time again✦ (Yeah)
I heard the same old line from you time and time again✦
And why I take you back? Because✦ I cannot✦ change a man
[Verse 3]
I be comin'✦ with a rap on a ballad
You should vote Misdemeanor on your ballots
'Cause you know I blow your mind any✦ time that I rhyme and I be down for a challenge
I'm wicked, I-C-K-icked, not Twista,✦ twisted
From coast to coast, I brag and boast, I'm better✦ than most insufficient
I got that good love, that goody-goody-good love, that puddy-puddy-pusha
Slick-talkin' sister✦ to any✦ nigga✦ that wanna✦ get with her
Don't never✦ diss her, M-dot-S-E
And let me stop playin' with y'all motherfuckers
This ain't no rap record, get back to the hook
[Chorus]
Why do you keep comin'✦ back time and time again?✦
You promised✦ me you'd change your ways time and time again✦
I heard the same old line from you time and time again✦
And why I take you back? Because✦ I cannot✦ change a man
Why do you keep comin'✦ back time and time again?✦
You promised✦ me you'd change your ways time and time again✦
I heard the same old line from you time and time again✦
And why I take you back? Because✦ I cannot✦ change a man

Technical Breakdown

7.3
Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres5.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm7.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.28

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Missy Elliott utilizes a high-energy, percussive delivery style to mask relatively straightforward lyricism, relying on rhythmic cadence and internal rhyme density rather than complex metaphorical abstraction.

B+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
7
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5.5
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
Poly-syllabic rhymingCall-and-response ad-libsStaccato phrasingSpelling-based wordplay
Rhyme Architecture: The verse employs a consistent AABB-style rhyme structure with dense internal rhyme chains, specifically utilizing 'i-sound' vowel clusters to maintain momentum.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"I be comin' with a rap on a ballad"

① The literal style of music (rap vs. ballad)② A play on her 'Misdemeanor' branding where the 'rap' acts as a legal term or criminal accusation presented as an artistic performance

"I-C-K-icked, not Twista, twisted"

① A phonetic breakdown of the word 'wicked'② A direct comparison/contrast to the rapper Twista, known for fast-paced 'twisted' delivery styles

Exceptional rhythmic precision

Effective use of ad-libs to emphasize punchlines

Strong confidence and vocal presence

Clear, punchy narrative structure

Limited metaphorical depth

Lyricism relies on common tropes of the era

Lack of complex subtext beyond the central theme of independence

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