Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Behold a Lady

Outkast

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

19

End

119

Internal

40

Multi

107

Slant

6

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: André 3000]
Behold✦ (Maybe they disappeared with the dinosaurs?)
A lady✦ (Oh, but that's such a Big Bang Theory)✦
I see you standing✦ on the wall (Maybe they're still around?)
Clap, clap, you deserve✦ it all
(But only✦ to be seen with appreciative eyes)
Behold✦ (Maybe they were taken✦ for granted?)
A lady✦ (And lost all their magic)✦
I see you standing✦ on the wall (Oh, how awful)
Clap, clap, you deserve✦ it all (Oh, so tragic)✦
[Verse 2: André 3000]
Yo mama's old fashioned, yo daddy✦ don't play
You'll always be this lovely✦ 'cause they raised you that way
Hallelujah! Thank ya, Jesus!✦ Thank ya, Lord!
Thank ya, Jesus!✦ Thank ya, Lord!
Thank ya, Jesus!✦ Thank ya, Lord!
You're not extra✦ extra,✦ you're so plain Jane
The ying to my yang, darlin',✦ you've got that thang
And you know it, but yet you don't
But yet you don't and that's what's so cool
You don't say too much, but when you do, it's profound
In the street, you hold your head high
At home, you get low down for me
(Can't get no lower,✦ can't get no lower,✦ can't get no lower,✦ yeah)
Oh, you're the anchor that holds me down
When my ship is sinking, you won't let me drown, ah-ah-ah-ah
Sad, but one day our kids will have to visit museums
To see what a lady✦ looks like
[Chorus: André 3000]
Behold✦ (So if you find one, I beg you, hold her tight)
A lady✦ (Yes, if you spot one, good sir, treat her right)
I see you standing✦ on the wall (Benjamin André, signing off)
Clap, clap, you deserve✦ it all (Thanks a million)
(Good luck and goodnight)
Behold✦
A lady✦
I see you standing✦ on the wall
Clap, clap, you deserve✦ it all
Behold✦
A lady✦
I see you standing✦ on the wall
Clap, clap, you deserve✦ it all
Behold✦
A lady✦
I see you standing✦ on the wall

Technical Breakdown

7.8
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

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 Control8.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.84

Production

— André 3000

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

André 3000 utilizes conversational simplicity and rhythmic repetition as a stylistic choice to emphasize the 'old-fashioned' sincerity of the subject, prioritizing emotional resonance over dense, multi-layered lyricism.

B+
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Repetitive cadential loopsConversational intimacyDynamic shift between high-energy gospel-inflected ad-libs and subdued versesJuxtaposition of public and private persona
Rhyme Architecture: The verse relies on AABB couplets mixed with repetitive exclamatory refrains that anchor the rhythm, moving from conventional end-rhymes into a free-flowing, near-prose narrative style.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"The ying to my yang, darlin', you've got that thang"

① A classic idiom for complimentary opposites, suggesting the subject completes the narrator.② Slang for sexual attractiveness or an 'x-factor' quality that is inherently alluring.

"At home, you get low down for me"

① A reference to the subject being humble or down-to-earth in their private life.② A sexualized double entendre regarding intimacy behind closed doors.

Exceptional use of vocal dynamics and ad-libs to create a 'gospel' atmosphere

Strong characterization through plain-spoken language

Effective use of rhythmic pauses to enhance the intimacy of the performance

Limited technical complexity in vocabulary compared to other Outkast verses

The simplicity of the rhyme scheme borders on repetitive

Less reliance on metaphorical density than expected from the artist

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