Year of the Dog... Again

Goodbye

DMX

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

19

End

159

Internal

75

Multi

145

Slant

8

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Hook]
Cause we all go anyway,✦ I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
Cause it could be any✦ day, I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
We've grown in so many✦ ways, but I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
Cause it could be any✦ day, I'ma✦ say goodbye today-ayayyyy✦
[Verse 2]
So young, so gifted✦
Direction of life was uplifted,✦ when the wind shifted✦
And took a turn for the worse, with the blessing✦ come the curse
A nigga✦ stressing✦ took the dog into✦ the hearse
My nigga✦ Divine✦ was way too young to die
Fell out the nest and was way too young to fly
But that didn't stop fate from happening✦
Idle time make the Devil—HATE WHAT'S HAPPENING!✦
God no! Why did it go that way?
Coming✦ from his fans away,✦ why did he go that day?
Lightly, I dare say, life goes on
Donuts, Trey and Jerz I say, please be strong
He was supposed to be on the road with me
I wish somebody WOULD'VE came to get me
And niggas would've had to hit ME
But until✦ then, MY FRIEND
I'ma✦ say goodbye today,✦ cause you never✦ know when
[Hook]
Cause we all go anyway,✦ I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
Cause it could be any✦ day, I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
We've grown in so many✦ ways, but I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
Cause it could be any✦ day, I'ma✦ say goodbye today-ayayyyy✦
[Outro]
Goodbye today,✦ I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
Goin away✦ hey (uhh) goodbye today,✦ I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
(It's okay)✦ And I say (let us pray)
Goodbye today✦ (and I say) say goodbye today✦
Go on your way (and I say when you're, gone) I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦
I'ma✦ say goodbye today✦ (gotta✦ say before✦ you move on) HEY!
Yes (yeah!)
I mean, this is life (yeah, say goodbye)
We are born, to die, so LET ME FLY! (know what I mean)
Let me fly, we are born, to die (be good)
{"Sometimes the pain is too much to bear" - repeat✦ to end of Outro}✦
Cause I'm in a better✦ place ('til we meet again)✦
I'm in a better✦ place (I don't know what form)
See you soon baby!✦ (we'll meet again)✦
Ha ha! .. (But we will meet again)✦
...
Spread your wings (they gon' shed a tear on this one!)
Fly, I'll try not to cry, it'll be hard
I just, miss, not having✦ you here
Even✦ though I know you're in a better✦ place!
I just miss not having✦ you here
Kinda✦ selfish when you think about✦ it
That's nature,✦ that's life
Spirit,✦ never✦ dies, as lessons begin✦

Technical Breakdown

8.1
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 / Rhythm8.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control8.5

Performance and control

Computed Score8.14

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

DMX prioritizes raw emotional projection and thematic cohesion over complex lyrical density, using his signature cadence to transform simple narrative lines into high-stakes existential reflections.

A
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8.5
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
5.5
Wordplay
8.5
Delivery
Aggressive internal rhyme clustersEmotional cadence modulationConversational narrative flowThematic repetition for structural unity
Rhyme Architecture: Primarily AABB/CCDD couplet-based structures with dense internal rhyme linkages that bridge the gap between end-line cadences.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"with the blessing come the curse"

① A general observation regarding the dichotomy of success and hardship.② A specific reference to the struggle of street fame leading to fatal consequences for associates.

"Fell out the nest and was way too young to fly"

① Literal imagery of a bird failing to survive after leaving the nest.② A metaphor for a young man losing his life before he could reach his full potential or success.

Compelling emotional urgency and authenticity

Masterful use of cadence to build tension within a sorrowful narrative

Seamless integration of internal rhyme schemes

Exceptional vocal presence that elevates the gravity of the lyrics

Limited metaphorical complexity

Reliance on direct address and conversational syntax

Predictable rhyming outcomes consistent with DMX's established style

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