... And Then There Was X
Angel (featuring Regina Belle)
DMX
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
47
End
242
Internal
65
Multi
207
Slant
22
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Regina Bell]
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him
You're alright✦ with him
I said you're alright✦ with him
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him
You're alright✦ with him
I said you're alright✦ with him
[Verse 2: DMX]
I want you to know, Lord, that for what you given✦ me I'm thankful
Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I'm grateful✦
You gave us power✦ in our words, so I think before✦ I speak
And that way when I speak, they know I'm here to teach
Can't tell 'em nothin'✦ wrong, 'cause I love 'em too much
I reach a lot of people, and Lord, I'm lovin'✦ the touch
But deep inside,✦ I've got somethin'✦ that's workin'✦ against
Everything I know is right, what I know makes✦ sense
That's when you must fight harder✦ than you've ever✦ fought before✦
'Cause what you've got goin' on inside✦ you is a war
Between good and evil, be careful✦ of those who wanna✦ be you
They smile but are not really✦ happy✦ when they see you
Be careful✦ of the ones✦ that always wanna✦ get you high
'Cause when the time comes,✦ that one'll✦ let you die
Listen✦ to me! I'm here, but I can only✦ help you
If you want me to help, what do you want for yourself?
[Chorus: Regina Bell]
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him
You're alright✦ with him
I said you're alright✦ with him
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him
You're alright✦ with him
I said you're alright✦ with him
[Verse 3: DMX & Regina Bell]
My Lord, my savior, don't judge my behavior, but instead
Take what's in my heart and put it in my head
See, I guess I really✦ never✦ knew how proud I made you
My life is yours, my soul I gave you
I don't know if I'll do good enough✦ (He's by your side)
And we both know the hood is rough (Right by your side)
Sometimes I don't know what to do (X, dry your eyes!)
But I know what I gotta✦ do (It'll be alright)✦
You keep givin'✦ me the word, and I'll put it to song
Talk to me, I'll talk to them, and we can't go wrong
This is the start of somethin'✦ strong, and this is just the start of it
Praises to you, my Lord, for lettin'✦ me be a part of it
I was that kid that, been there, did that
Became✦ ashamed so I hid that, but ain't no longer✦ with that
Use me as an example—if I can do it, then they can too
With the Lord behind us, there ain't nothin'✦ that we can't do
[Chorus: Regina Bell]
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him (The light with him)
'Cause you're alright✦ with him ('Cause he loves✦ you)
I said you're alright✦ with him
I know you've never✦ seen him, but don't fight with him
You're gonna✦ make it through the night to the light with him
Uhh, you're alright✦ with him ('Cause he loves✦ you)
I said you're alright✦ with him
[Outro: Regina Bell]
He's by your side
Right by your side
X, dry your eyes!
'Cause it'll be alright✦
Yeah, he's by your side
Right by your side
X, dry your eyes!
'Cause, it's gonna✦ be alright✦
Yeah yeah, yes it is!
Technical Breakdown
8.5
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm10.0
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity5.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control9.0
Performance and control
Computed Score8.51
Production
— Irv GottiBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
DMX prioritizes raw emotional honesty and rhythmic consistency over complex wordplay, utilizing his signature gravelly urgency to ground spiritual conflict in a relatable, conversational narrative.
A
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
9
Delivery
AABB rhyme scheme variationsConversational flowCall-and-response dynamicsThematic juxtapositions
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly end-rhyme driven with AABB patterns, leveraging simple but consistent multis to maintain momentum and allow the listener to focus on the sincerity of the message.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"wanna get you high"
① Literal act of inducing chemical intoxication or illicit substance usage② Metaphorical act of manipulation, boosting ego, or providing temporary false validation before an eventual betrayal
"what I know makes sense"
① Rational cognitive understanding of morality and life lessons② The internal compass or conscience that serves as a sensory validation of faith
Raw emotional sincerity
Powerful vocal presence and intensity
Clear, relatable storytelling regarding spiritual warfare
Strong rhythmic cadence that mimics a sermon-like delivery
Limited lexical variety
Lack of complex metaphorical layering
Predictable rhyme structures
Minimal use of literary devices beyond direct confession