Phenomenon

Don't Be Late, Don't Come Too Soon

LL Cool J

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

13

End

72

Internal

32

Multi

77

Slant

11

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
[Chorus: Tamia]
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
And don't you come too soon (never✦ that)
[Verse 2: LL Cool J]
I never✦ thought that I would ever✦ lay beside✦ you again✦
Tastin'✦ every✦ inch plus being your friend
Romantic nights with shootin' stars and full moons
Kiss the rose better✦ til it come full bloom
Can you feel it passions overflows in waves✦
Keep it steady✦ providin' everything you crave
Now you ready✦ I like that my love you save
I love it when a bad girl agrees✦ to behave✦
It's the motion✦ that makes✦ your love affair complete
But devotion makes✦ it all twice as sweet
Back together reunited bonded once more
Before✦ I was hesitant but now I'm sure
[Chorus: Tamia]
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
And don't you come too soon (never✦ that)
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
You are my starship✦
Come take me up tonight✦
And don't be late
And don't you come too soon (never✦ that)
[Outro: LL Cool J]
Well now you know how I feel
And I definetly know how you feel
Word up
I'm feelin'✦ this
Word up
'Cause with you by my side
I'm a take it to the top yeah

Technical Breakdown

7.3
Multisyllabic Rhymes7.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes8.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres5.0

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm8.5

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity5.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.0

Performance and control

Computed Score7.30

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

LL Cool J leverages his signature smooth, conversational cadence to ground the verse, prioritizing rhythmic pocket-locking over complex lyricism, which fits the R&B-crossover aesthetic of the era.

B+
7.5
Multisyllabic
8.5
Internal Rhymes
8.5
Cadence / Flow
5
Vocabulary
5
Wordplay
7
Delivery
End-rhyme consistencyConversational flowSteady-state cadenceAABB-adjacent pairing
Rhyme Architecture: The verse utilizes a fairly consistent AABB/CCDD couplet structure with high-frequency internal rhythmic placement, focusing on maintaining a steady pulse to match the starship theme.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"Kiss the rose better til it come full bloom"

① The literal act of physical intimacy as a romantic gesture.② A metaphor for the peak of sexual arousal and emotional gratification.

"I love it when a bad girl agrees to behave"

① A commentary on a partner shifting from a wild or uninhibited persona.② A play on the subversion of the 'bad girl' trope through voluntary compliance within the relationship context.

Consistent rhythmic pocket

Vocal confidence and charm

Cohesive thematic integration

Lack of multi-layered metaphorical depth

Predictable rhyme outcomes

Limited lexical variation

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