Watch the Throne

Lift Off

Kanye West

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

35

End

148

Internal

20

Multi

137

Slant

9

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
We gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
How many✦ people you know can take it this far?
I'm supercharged✦
We 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars (Lift off)
Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
We don't know what we could do to make it this far
So many✦ scars
We 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars
[Post-Chorus: Kanye West]
Lift off (Lift off), off, ah, like you know, na-na-na
You know me by now, know me, know me by now
You know me, know me by now, know me, know me by now
[Verse 2: Jay-Z]
Lift off
Rappers hear Watch the Throne, they gon' be pissed✦ off
Earth is boring✦ to 'em, shit is making✦ my dick soft
When you earn hard as me, eventually, you hit a big wall
Five, four, three, two, we need fuel, lift off
[Chorus: Beyoncé]
Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
How many✦ people you know can take it this far?
I'm supercharged✦
We 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars (All engines✦ running)✦
Now we gon' take it to the moon, take it to the stars
We don't know what we could do to make it this far
So many✦ scars
We 'bout to take this whole thing to Mars (Lift off)
[Interlude: Jack King]
Twenty✦ seconds✦ and counting
T-minus fifteen seconds,✦ guidance is internal
Twelve, eleven,✦ ten, nine, ignition sequence start
Six, five, four, three, two, one, zero,✦ all engines✦ running✦
Lift off, we have a lift off
[Outro: Beyoncé]
Jump
Now we gon', now we gon', now we gon', now we gon' (J-jump)
Now we gon' take it to the moon
Now we gon', now we gon' (J-j-jump)
We gon' take it to the moon
Take it to the stars (J-j-jump)
We gon' take it to the moon
Take it to the stars
How many✦ people you know can take it this far?
Take it to the stars
How many✦ people you know can take it this far?
Now we gon', now we gon', now we gon', now we gon', now

Technical Breakdown

7.4
Multisyllabic Rhymes6.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm9.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control6.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.40

Production

— Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, Pharrell, Q-Tip, Don Jazzy

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

The verse functions as a braggadocio centerpiece that prioritizes persona-driven confidence over complex linguistic layering, relying on stark, aggressive imagery to maintain the album's 'throne' narrative.

B+
6.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
9.5
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
6
Delivery
Repetitive multisyllabic rhyme chainsCountdown internal rhythm syncopationAggressive hyperbole
Rhyme Architecture: A straightforward AAAA rhyme structure centered on the 'off' sound, followed by a rhythmic countdown-integrated structure that mimics the song's theme.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Rappers hear Watch the Throne, they gon' be pissed off"

① Emotional reaction of envy from competing rappers.② A play on the 'lift off' phonetic repetition used throughout the chorus and verse.

"Earth is boring to 'em, shit is making my dick soft"

① The lack of competition on earth causes a lack of stimulation (sexual metaphor).② A crude hyperbole for lack of excitement in the current rap landscape.

Effective use of the 'lift off' sonic theme to anchor the verse

High-energy delivery that fits the anthemic nature of the production

Cohesive narrative link between the concept of elevation and the album's success

Vocabulary and thematic depth are limited by the pop-rap focus of the song

Reliance on shock-value imagery rather than sophisticated wordplay

Lack of multi-layered entendres compared to his previous technical standards

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