Mama Said Knock You Out
6 Minutes of Pleasure
LL Cool J
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
31
End
329
Internal
58
Multi
108
Slant
17
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Verse 2]
Baby,✦ you're my dear
I know why you're here, I know why you came
I know what you're thinkin', I know what you need
And that's what I've got, you think that I'm crazy✦
No, I'm not drinking, I know what you want
I made ya want it, take my hand
Listen✦ to the man, you have a plan, don't even✦ risk it
What do you want, a biscuit?
[Chorus]
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me (I know why you're here)
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I know why you're here)
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
[Post-Chorus]
Six minutes✦
Six minutes✦ (Uh)
I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (Uh)
Six minutes✦ (I know—)
[Verse 3]
Honey,✦ I know what you're up to, I know how you're livin'✦
I know where you go when you leave my house
I know what your dreams are, but I dream too
You're with a man, you're not with a mouse
I see how you stare, I see how you smile
I see right through, now act like you knew
I know all about where you been runnin'✦
Wipe your feet before✦ you come in
[Chorus]
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me (I know why you're here)
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I know why you're here)
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
[Bridge]
Yeah, that's smooth
Let's just sit here and relax while my man plays the piano✦ for us
Sip somethin'✦ mellow✦
And discuss why you're here
But of course I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
[Verse 4]
Okay,✦ now that you know
I know you know that I know you know
And that's the move, so sit right here
Whisper in my ear, caress my chest
And say somethin'✦ smooth, but don't forget✦
I know what you'll say
Just what I thought, I know the routine✦
I know the routine,✦ just what I thought
I know you tell the truth, I know you don't lie
Shh, close your eyes
[Chorus]
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me (I know why you're here)
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I know why you're here)
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦ (I ain't sayin' nothin')✦
Ayo, baby,✦ I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
[Outro]
I won't tell if you won't tell
It's cool with me, I know why you're here
I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know why you're here
I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know why you're here
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know why you're here, I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know you don't love me
I know why you're here, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know why you're here, I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know you don't love me, but I ain't sayin' nothin'✦
I know why you're here
Technical Breakdown
7.7
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres4.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm10.0
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 Score7.71
Production
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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
The verse relies heavily on a conversational, swagger-driven delivery that compensates for a lack of dense lyrical complexity, leaning on rhythm and authoritative posturing typical of the mid-80s era.
B+
7.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
4
Vocabulary
4
Wordplay
7
Delivery
Conversational cadenceRepetitive internal phrasingDirect addressRhythmic assertion
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AAAA/AABB patterns utilizing simple end-rhymes (dear/here/came/need/crazy/drinking/want/hand/man/risk it/biscuit) to maintain a steady, syncopated flow.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"What do you want, a biscuit?"
① A literal demand or question regarding the subject's desires.② A dismissive colloquialism used to belittle the subject's expectations or demands, equating them to a trivial reward.
High level of rhythmic confidence and pocket control
Effective use of pauses for dramatic tension
Clear, authoritative vocal projection
Vocabulary is rudimentary and lacks metaphorical depth
Lyricism relies on repetition rather than progressive narrative
Punchline execution is low-impact