● Alliteration

Definition: The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more
neighboring words.

Why Writers Use it: It can help connect ideas, make sentences memorable or sound
musical. When overused, it can also be cloying or irritating

example: -
lyrics:"And, baby, now we’ve got bad blood" -
Song Title: Bad Blood
-Singer:Taylor Swift

● Assonance

Definition :
Assonance is a language feature in song lyrics where the repetition of vowel sounds occurs
within nearby words. This technique is used to create musicality, enhance rhythm, and
evoke specific emotions. Unlike rhyme, which involves similarity in both vowel and
consonant sounds, assonance focuses solely on the vowel sounds.

Example:
In Taylor Swift's song "Love Story," the repeated "o" sound in the lines "It's a love story, baby
just say yes" demonstrates assonance, creating a harmonious and melodic quality within the
lyrics.

As you analyse song lyrics, pay attention to the vowel sounds within words, especially those
close to each other, to identify instances of assonance.

● Onomatopoeia

Definition :
Onomatopoeia is a language feature commonly found in songs, where words imitate the
natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. In the context of music,
onomatopoeic words are employed to evoke auditory sensations and enhance the overall
sensory experience for the listener.

Example :
For instance, in the song "Boom Clap" by Charli XCX, the use of "boom" and "clap" serves
as onomatopoeia, mimicking the sound of a heartbeat or a rhythmic element in the music.
These words not only convey a literal sound but also contribute to the song's energetic and
pulsating atmosphere.

● Oxymoron

Definition:
Oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms or ideas to create a
unique and thought-provoking expression. In the context of language features in songs,
oxymorons are often used to convey complex emotions or paradoxical situations.
Example:
In the song "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve, the lyrics contain the oxymoron "bitter
sweet." The juxtaposition of "bitter" and "sweet" creates a paradox, expressing the conflicting
nature of the emotions being described in the song.

So, oxymorons in song lyrics enhance the poetic and evocative qualities by bringing together
words that, at first glance, seem incompatible.