Lee,

I sometimes do the same thing. And, as you said, if the idea is strong enough and the rhyme works..use it! However, I think we are in a huge minority with that approach/attitude.

I am not one to beat myself into mental submission in an attempt to write a "near-perfect" song. In my opinion, there are few songs, well-known and otherwise, that would qualify as "perfect" or "near-perfect". I try very hard to write a song that is enjoyable to listen to and that might catch the attention of the listener. If they are also composed such that they have technical merit...so much the better. Again, being in the minority, enjoyable and catchy are more important to me than technical structure per se. I have been reminded that I have never had a major cut and maybe that is the reason that I have not. Although I do not respond to those fine folks with the following reply, I do find it interesting that most of the folks telling me that also have not had a major cut. I do not suggest that my approach is better or more successful than the technical structure emphasis approach. It is simply my attitude and approach and I am comfortable with it. And if the other folks are comfortable with their approach, then, by all means, they should use it.

So, using casual and somewhat common rhymes, as well as some cliches...so long as they are not used ad nauseum, are fine with me.

Al