Beck – Lost Cause – Chorus
Lost Cause < All Analyses
Chord Progression
F, G, F, G, F, G, C, A7, F, G/C, F, G, F, G, C
Chord Progression Analysis
F Major (IV), G Major (V), F Major (IV), G Major (V), F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I), A7 (V7/vi), F Major (IV), G/C (V), F Major (IV), G Major (V), F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I)
Borrowed Chord: None
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
Chords: Am (vi), D (II), G (V), C (I), Em (iii), Am (vi), G (V), C (I)
In this progression, Radiohead also utilize the IV-V movement (in this case, G-C) and employ non-diatonic chords (D Major) to create a mix of tension and resolution in the harmony.
2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
Chords: Em7 (iii7), G (V), Dsus4 (IIsus4), A7sus4 (VII7sus4), Cadd9 (Iadd9), Em7 (iii7), G (V), Dsus4 (IIsus4)
Here, Oasis emphasizes the IV-V pattern (in this case, C-G), and incorporates sus and add chords, thus adding a distinctive texture to the harmony.
Musical Analysis
This progression uses a recurring IV-V pattern (F-G) which gives a sense of movement and builds tension throughout the section. The A7 is the only non-diatonic chord here, which acts as a secondary dominant chord (V7/vi) and temporarily leads the listener towards the vi chord (A minor). However, instead of resolving to A minor, Beck cleverly returns to the IV (F Major) chord, thus thwarting the listener’s expectations and giving the progression a more interesting twist.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.
Style Analysis
The simplicity and repetition of the IV-V pattern, combined with the addition of a secondary dominant chord, is indicative of Beck’s genre-blending approach, with elements from folk, alternative rock, and indie pop. The use of mostly major chords and the occasional twisting of harmonic expectations can be seen as reflecting the melancholic nature of the lyrics and the overall theme of the song, which talks about a futile and lost cause.
What are the chords in: Beck – Lost Cause – Chorus?
F, G, F, G, F, G, C, A7, F, G/C, F, G, F, G, C
