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Was Paul Simon suggesting that "tear" is the antonym for "rhyme"?

 
 
oParis
 
Reply Sat 26 Aug, 2023 01:21 pm
In Kathy's Song, Paul Simon says

"And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme"

Regarding the fourth line, I'm a little flummoxed about the use of the verb "tear" (sung as "tare" like rip, or damage). Is it suggested that words that tear do not rhyme or do not sound good together, clash phonetically? Where did he get this use of the word "tear" from?
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Type: Question • Score: 1 • Views: 250 • Replies: 1

 
jespah
 
  3  
Reply Sat 26 Aug, 2023 05:04 pm
@oParis,
I think what he means is that these aren't easy rhymes; that he has to shoehorn them in, to get them to work.
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