Mama Said Knock You Out

Around the Way Girl

LL Cool J

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

21

End

158

Internal

36

Multi

126

Slant

5

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus]
I need an around✦ the way girl (Around✦ the way girl)
That's the one for me (She's the only✦ one for me, to the bridge)
I need an around✦ the way girl
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
[Verse 3]
Perm in your hair or even a curly✦ weave
With your New Edition Bobby✦ Brown button on your sleeve
I tell you come here, you say meet me half way
'Cause brothers✦ been popping that game all day
Around✦ the way, you're like a neighborhood jewel
All the homeboys sweat you, so you're crazy✦ cool
Wear your gold in the summer with your bikin' shorts
While you watching all the brothers✦ on the basketball court
Going to the movies✦ with your homegirl's crew
While the businessmen in suits be hawking you
Baby✦ hair pumping, lip gloss is shining
I think you in the mood for wining✦ and dining✦
So we can go out and eat somewhere
We got a lot of private jokes✦ to share
Lisa,✦ Angela,✦ Pamela,✦ Renee (On your loving)✦
I love you, you're from around✦ the way
[Chorus]
I need an around✦ the way girl (Around✦ the way girl)
That's the one for me (She's the only—✦ You got me sh—)
I need an around✦ the way girl (An around✦ the way girl)
Fine as can be (On your loving),✦ she's all I ask
I need an around✦ the way girl (Around✦ the way girl)
That's the one for me
I need an around✦ the way girl (An around✦ the way—)
Fine as can be (Way)
[Outro]
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out—
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out—
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out—
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out—
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out on your loving✦
You got me shook up, shook down, shook out—

Technical Breakdown

6.5
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres4.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm7.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity4.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control6.0

Performance and control

Computed Score6.55

Production

— Marley Marl, LL Cool J

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

LL Cool J utilizes a conversational, grounded persona to establish a relatable archetype of the 'around the way girl,' prioritizing accessibility and rhythmic flow over dense lyrical complexity.

B
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
7
Cadence / Flow
4
Vocabulary
4
Wordplay
6
Delivery
Cataloging/EnumerationConversational cadenceRelatable cultural imageryInternal rhyme clusters
Rhyme Architecture: A consistent AABB/CCDD couplet-based structure with high density of internal rhyming, typical of early 90s radio-friendly rap.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"New Edition Bobby Brown button on your sleeve"

① A literal fashion accessory expressing fan appreciation for the R&B group New Edition/Bobby Brown.② A symbol of the girl's commitment to current trends and her identity as a loyal fan within the urban milieu.

"shook up, shook down, shook out"

① Physical agitation or emotional instability caused by attraction.② A stylistic repetition emphasizing the total consumption of the narrator's attention by the girl's appeal.

Excellent rhythmic pocket and accessible flow

Strong character building through specific cultural signifiers

Effective use of name-dropping to create a sense of community

Lack of complex wordplay or multi-layered entendres

Predictable rhyming patterns that lack structural subversion

Low lexical variety

User Scores