Mr. Smith
Hey Lover
LL Cool J
Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis
48
End
222
Internal
74
Multi
205
Slant
15
Chain
Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Boyz II Men]
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush, yeah (Yeah)
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush (Uh, check it)
Lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush (This is more than a crush)
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush (Yeah, yeah, oh, oh)
[Verse 2: LL Cool J]
I see you at the bus stop waitin'✦ every✦ day (Yeah)
Your man must think its safe for you to travel✦ that way (Oh, oh, oh)
But I don't want to violate your relationship (No)
So I lay back in the cut with a crush that's a trip (Layin' back)
Still, he can't stop me from having daydreams
Tonguin' you down with, uh, vanilla ice cream (Ooh, yeah)
Kissing on your thighs under✦ moonlight (Mmm, mwah, mwah, mwah, yeah)
Searchin' your body✦ with my tongue, girl, all night
I wonder✦ one day could it be, simple dreams could turn into✦ reality (I wonder,✦ yeah)
Our love would come down so naturally (Comin'✦ down, comin'✦ down)
We would walk down the aisle of destiny (Ooh, yeah)
But your man get his hustle on, gotcha✦ type scared✦ (Ooh)
Break ya off a little chump change to do your hair (Ooh)
That seems to be enough to satisfy your needs
But there's✦ a deeper✦ level,✦ if you'll follow, I lead
Hey lover✦
[Chorus: Boyz II Men]
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
[Verse 3: LL Cool J]
Last week I saw ya at the mall
Standin'✦ at the pay phone 'bout to make a call (Standin'✦ there, standin'✦ there)
I had a vision it was me on the other✦ end (Ooh, yeah)
Tellin'✦ you come by and then you walked✦ in (Come on by my way)
I touched you gently✦ with my hands
We talked✦ about✦ travelin' the distant lands (Woah)
Escapin' all the madness out here in the world
Becomin' my wife, no longer✦ my girl
Then, you let your dress fall down to the floor (Ooh, yeah)
I kissed✦ you softly✦ and you yearned for more (Mmhmm, yeah)
We experienced pleasure unparalleled (Oh, yeah)
Into✦ an ocean✦ of love, we both fell (Oh, oh)
Swimmin' in the timeless, currents of pure bliss
Fantasies interchangin' with each kiss (Ooh)
Undyin'✦ passion unites✦ our souls
Together we swim until✦ the point of no control, but (Baby)✦
It's a fantasy it (that, you) won't come true (Yeah)
We never✦ even✦ spoke and your man swear he love you (Ow, ooh)
So I'ma✦ keep all these feelings inside✦ (Mmm)
Keep my dreams alive✦ until✦ the right time (My baby)✦
[Chorus: Boyz II Men]
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush, yeah, yeah
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush (Ooh, yeah)
Lover,✦ hey lover,✦ baby✦ this is more than a crush
Hey lover,✦ hey lover,✦ this is more than a crush
[Outro: LL Cool J and (Boyz II Men)]
Hey love, hey love, hey love
This is more than a crush
Hey love, hey love, hey love
This is more than a crush (Hold me)
Hey love, hey love, hey love
This is more than a crush (I want you to stay with me)
Hey love, hey love, hey love
This is more than a crush (I need you, hold tight)
Hey love, hey love, hey love
This is more than a crush
Hey love
Technical Breakdown
8.3
Multisyllabic Rhymes8.5
Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)
Internal Rhymes9.5
Rhymes within a line (data-driven)
Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0
Clever language, metaphors, punchlines
Cadence / Rhythm10.0
Flow variation and timing (data-driven)
Vocabulary Complexity5.0
Range and depth of words used (data-driven)
Delivery / Breath Control8.0
Performance and control
Computed Score8.27
Production
— The Trackmasters, LL Cool JBe the first to rate the production
Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™
LL Cool J utilizes a conversational, charismatic cadence that excels in narrative pacing and emotional intimacy, effectively pivoting from street-level observation to romantic fantasy, though the wordplay remains grounded in straightforward romantic storytelling rather than complex lyrical dexterity.
A
8.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
10
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
8
Delivery
Conversational flowDynamic cadence shiftsNarrative arc developmentInternal rhyme stackingDirect address
Rhyme Architecture: Predominantly AABB or AAAA couplets with frequent internal multisyllabic rhyming, relying on the 'A-E' vowel sounds and 'I-E' endings to maintain a steady, melodic groove that complements the R&B chorus.
Verified Doubles & Entendres
"I lay back in the cut with a crush that's a trip"
① Physical positioning; remaining hidden or waiting patiently in a low-profile location.② Emotional state; experiencing an intense, overwhelming, and potentially 'crazy' romantic obsession.
"Break ya off a little chump change to do your hair"
① A literal act of providing financial support for grooming.② A dismissive jab at the boyfriend's lack of substantial worth, implying he offers only superficial material 'crumbs'.
Impeccable pocket placement
Strong emotional relatability
Effective use of pauses to heighten intimacy
Clear narrative progression
Limited metaphorical complexity
Relies on standard romantic tropes
Low lexical density compared to peak lyrical eras
Wordplay is functional rather than inventive