The Cookbook

Remember When

Missy Elliott

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

20

End

124

Internal

49

Multi

127

Slant

6

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2: Missy]
Am I a disappointment to ya, baby?✦
Most of the time, I'm wrong, makin'✦ excuses for tje abuses✦ I've done
Steppin' all on your heart, but you never✦ left me, baby✦
Say I'm sorry✦ all the time, and any✦ other✦ guy would be gone
But you stayin' right by my side
[Hook:]
Remember✦ when you caught me cheatin'?✦ Cheatin'✦ (ooh, cheatin')✦
You said I stopped✦ your heart from breathin'✦ (stopped✦ your heart), breathin'✦ (yes!)
But you loved✦ me, so you forgave me (said that you loved✦ me, and oh–); ooh, 'gave me
When you could've went-out✦ and played me (oh, yeah), played me
[Bridge: Missy]
And a love like this (like this), I can't play no games✦
And it's hard (and it's hard) to forgive✦ it, but you didn't neva'✦ complain (yes!)
Didn't rub it in my face, (let me slide-on✦ by) just let me slide-on✦ by
I know that every✦ girl (whoa-oh) wish she had you as a guy ('cause you're mine)
[Breakdown: Missy]
(Whew!)
Mine, all mine
Whoa, oh-oh✦ (HOLLA!)✦
No-no,✦ no-no,✦ uh, no-no✦
'Cause a love like this can't play no games✦
And it's hard to forgive✦ things I did to you, uh
Let me slide-on✦ by (huh?)
Yeah, have you ever✦ got– (yes!)
[Verse 3: Missy]
When I cheated, you said you couldn't breathe (gasp)
Said you couldn't breathe (yes!)
Now I'm sittin'✦ here beggin'✦ on my knees
Take me back, I'll do anything, including plead (yes!)
I didn't mean to burn a bridge, third-degree
Like Fantasia said: let yourself be free (whew!)
The truth be without✦ me you'd succeed
I'm sorry,✦ baby,✦ please believe in you and me
Come on
[Bridge: Missy]
Ain't no love better✦ than you
With all the pain I put you through
Obstacles✦ and mountains✦
And you still love me, yes, you do (ain't no love–)
Ain't no love, better✦ than you (better✦ than you)
With all the pain, I put you through
Obstacles✦ and mountains✦
Without✦ you here, what would I do?
[Outro: Missy (scratched)]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, mmm, mmm
Oh, oh, oh, oh, mmm, mmm
(Remember✦ when you caught me cheatin'?)✦

Technical Breakdown

7.6
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 / Rhythm8.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.57

Production

— Missy Elliott

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

Missy utilizes vulnerability-driven honesty over complex lyrical density, focusing on melodic cadence and emotional transparency.

B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
AABB rhyme scheme variationsmelodic cadence shiftingconversational deliveryrepetition for emotional emphasis
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB with flexible internal assonance, creating a conversational, song-like flow rather than a rigid percussive structure.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Steppin' all on your heart"

① Physical act of walking on someone's chest② Metaphor for emotionally trampling or disregarding the partner's feelings

"let me slide-on by"

① The literal action of moving past the partner② Asking for forgiveness or allowing past mistakes to be overlooked without further conflict

High emotional resonance and authenticity

Effective use of vocal dynamics for intimacy

Seamless integration of rhythm with melody

Low metaphorical density

Lack of complex wordplay or double entendres

Formulaic lyrical progression

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