Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 3
Viva La Vida < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Details with full chord names and their roman numerals are as below, and code block for borrowed chord:
“`
C Major (IV)
D Major (V)
G Major (I)
E minor (vi)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
“`
C Major (IV)
G Major (I)
A minor (ii)
E minor (vi)
“`
2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley:
“`
C Major (IV)
G Major (I)
A minor (ii)
F Major (III)
“`
These songs share the same feature of transitioning from a IV or V chord to the I, then to the vi chord. This I-V-vi-IV pattern, which “Viva la Vida” follows, is one of the most common chord progressions in popular music.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression of “Viva la Vida” can be viewed in terms of tonic (I), subdominant (IV) and dominant (V) harmonic areas. The initial progression of C (IV) to D (V) creates a sense of movement and tension; G (I) comes across as a resolution or return to base after a journey, with the tension eased. The following E minor (vi) is a common minor substitute for the tonic that alters the colour of the progression and provides an effective contrast before returning to the beginning of the cycle.
Overall Analysis
“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.
Style Analysis
The repeated chord progression throughout the song is a common feature in pop and rock music. It provides a strong harmonic backbone to support Coldplay’s catchy melody, and its simplicity allows for some level of predictability, which is relatable for listeners. The tone of the song is anthemic and uplifting due to the use of major and minor chords, this is signature to Coldplay’s music style which often combines rock and pop elements with layered textures and anthemic choruses.
What are the chords in: Coldplay – Viva La Vida – Verse 3?
[‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘Em’]
