The Life of Pablo

Waves

Kanye West

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

12

End

37

Internal

10

Multi

31

Slant

8

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Chris Brown, Theophilus London]
(Yeah) Waves✦ don't die (Real ting badmon!)✦
Let me crash here for the moment✦
I don't need to own it
No lie
Waves✦ don't die, baby✦
Let me crash here for a moment✦ (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Baby,✦ I don't, I don't need to own you
[Refrain: Chris Brown]
No lie
No lie
No lie
You set the night on fire
I'm still gon' be here in the morning✦
No lie
[Bridge: Kid Cudi & Kanye West]
(Humming)
[Refrain: Chris Brown]
No lie (Yeah)
Ooh, babe, ooh, baby,✦ oh, yeah
You set the night on fire
I'm still gon' be here in the morning✦
No lie

Technical Breakdown

7.2
Multisyllabic Rhymes6.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes8.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres4.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm9.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity4.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.22

Production

— Kanye West, Charlie Heat, Hudson Mohawke, Mike Dean, Metro Boomin, Anthony Kilhoffer

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

The verse prioritizes atmospheric resonance and repetitive, mantra-like cadence over complex lyrical density or metaphorical layeredness.

B+
6.5
Multisyllabic
8.5
Internal Rhymes
9
Cadence / Flow
4
Vocabulary
4.5
Wordplay
7
Delivery
Repetitive melodic phrasingThematic refrain as rhythmic anchorMinimalist lyrical structureVocal layering
Rhyme Architecture: The structure relies on AAAA and AABB rhyme schemes using simple, emotive end-sounds (die/lie/moment/own it), emphasizing flow and melodic delivery over dense multisyllabic complexity.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Waves don't die"

① Physical ocean waves that continue their cycle.② The metaphorical impact of one's legacy or 'vibe' that persists beyond a single moment.

"Let me crash here for the moment"

① Seeking temporary shelter or rest.② A play on the collision of ocean waves hitting the shore.

Excellent rhythmic placement of the chorus

Effective use of minimalist phrasing to evoke mood

Strong vocal presence and melodic layering

Lack of complex wordplay or metaphor

Relying heavily on simple, repetitive vocabulary

Low thematic depth compared to traditional hip-hop standards

User Scores