Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Is there a name for this song structure that is used often by Bob Dylan (more info inside)?

I've noticed that many of Bobby Dylan's lyrics follow a basic
structure. I'm sure it has roots before Dylan, and I'm curious if this
structure has a name and what are its origins.

Basically the verses consist of 2 lines that are repeated once and
then a final couple of lines that rhyme with the prior lines.

Examples:

"She belongs to me"

She's got everything she needs
She's an artist, she don't look back
She's got everything she needs
She's an artist, she don't look back
She can take the dark out of nighttime
And paint the daytime black.

"Outlaw Blues"

Ain't it hard to stumble
And land in some funny lagoon ?
Ain't it hard to stumble
And land in some muddy lagoon ?
Especially when it's nine below zero
And three o'clock in the afternoon.

"Summer Days"
Summer days, summer nights are gone
Summer days and the summer nights are gone
I know a place where there's still somethin' going on

There are many, many more examples, but these are just some. Hopefully
someone can settle my curiosity.

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