The Art of Phrasing in Song Lyrics: Why ‘These’ Rhymes with ‘Sweet’ and ‘Dream’

Introduction to Rhyming in Song Lyrics

Rhymes in song lyrics play a crucial role in enhancing the musicality and emotional impact of a song. They add a certain charm and memorability to the lyrics. However, the art behind such rhymes isn't always straightforward. Let's explore why the words "these," "sweet," and "dream" can rhyme in a song, particularly in the context of lyrical phrasing and vocal performance.

Understanding the Vowel Sound: 'These' vs. 'Sweet' and 'Dream'

The words "these" and "sweet" or "these" and "dream" can rhyme with a noticeable similarity in pronunciation, especially during singing. But, why do they rhyme when spoken or written so distinctly? The answer lies in the nuances of the vowel sound and how vowels behave in a singing context.

The vowel in "these" has a slightly longer pronunciation, also known phonetically as a long 'i' sound, represented as /i:/. In spoken English, this is how "these" is usually pronounced. However, when singing, the focus shifts from the precise phonetic pronunciation to the melody and rhythm of the song. The singer can extend the vowel sound to fit the musical phrasing, making it indistinguishable from words like "sweet" or "dream."

For example, when the singer chooses to shade the vowel in a speech-like pronunciation towards a longer /i:/ sound in "these," it aligns more closely with the pure vowel sound in "sweet" or "dream"

The Role of Voicing in Singing

The difference in sound between the soft 's' in "this" and the hard 's' in "these" arises from the voicing of the consonant. In speech, the /s/ sound in "these" is voiceless, as the vocal cords do not vibrate when producing it. In contrast, when singing, the singer might voice the /s/ sound, making it more similar to the /z/ sound. This vocalization can make the consonant less significant compared to the vowel sounds, especially in phrasing.

Vocalization is a technique where the singer exaggerates the differences between voiced and unvoiced consonants to ensure clear enunciation. However, in the context of creating a melody, these distinctions can become blurred. Professional singers often need to balance the creation of melodic phrasing with clear vowel pronunciation, where the vowel sound is held longer as needed for the melody rather than adhering to the precise phonetic spelling.

Contextual Clarity and Rhyming Effects

Despite the potential confusion, the words "this" and "these" can be used interchangeably in many song contexts. Both are grammatically correct and can equally reference the same relative pronoun. The exact reference, however, can be ambiguous. For instance, the line might read, "this dream" or "these dreams," and unless the context is clear, it's hard to distinguish which is intended.

The singer's purpose in using rhymes like "these" and "sweet" might not just be about clarity, but about the effect of the phrasing. By extending the /i:/ sound in "these," the artist is creating a musical and emotional resonance with words like "sweet" or "dream."

The choice to use "these" instead of "this" in singing isn't made carelessly. It is a deliberate artistic choice to maintain the rhyming scheme and enhance the musicality of the lyrics. This is not to say that the meaning is lost; just that the focus is shifted to the musical aspect of the performance rather than the strict semantics of the words.

Conclusion: The Nuances of Rhyming in Song Lyrics

In conclusion, the rhymes "these" and "sweet" and "these" and "dream" in song lyrics are not just phonetic coincidences. They are the result of careful artistic decisions that balance phonetics, melody, and emotional resonance. For the audience, this creates a more immersive and memorable experience, where the lyrics become part of the melody rather than just words on a page.

Whether in speech or song, the subtle differences in vowel and consonant sounds can be crucial. Understanding these nuances can help singers and lyricists enhance the impact of their performances, making their songs more engaging and memorable.

Keywords: rhyme, song lyrics, vowel sound