Music Theory Alchemy

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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” is a popular song by Creedence Clearwater Revival from the 1971 album “Pendulum”. This song is performed in the key of C major, and uses chords from the diatonic scale. However, it also utilizes borrowed chords and chord inversions to create a bit of colour and novelty.

“Anti-Hero,” a standout track from Taylor Swift, exemplifies her mature songwriting style that merges introspective lyrics with intricate harmonies. This song’s verse utilizes a chord progression that creates a rich emotional landscape, perfectly complementing the themes of self-reflection and personal imperfection. The progression, while rooted in the traditional pop structure, employs extended chords to enhance its lyrical narrative, adding layers of complexity that resonate with listeners.

“The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” features a verse in A minor with a brief but significant shift to F minor, due to the use of borrowed chords or modal mixture. Notably, it showcases The Beatles’ sophisticated approach to harmonization, utilizing unconventional chord progressions & modulations that are cyclical.

The chord progression in “Ramona” by Beck is a blend of diatonic and chromatic harmony with some borrowed chords from outside the key. The piece is in the key of G major, and it features several instances of voice leading, smooth transitions between chords, and the occasional unexpected chord that adds interest and depth to the progression.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Verse

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here are the chords for the verse:

“`
C Major (I)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
C Major (I)
C Major (I)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
C Major (I)
“`

This chord progression is essentially a I-V turn around which is a common technique in blues and rock. Note that the Roman numerals represent the general notes in the key of C Major. Hence, C Major is the I chord and G Major is the V chord.

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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by Beatles
Verse Chord Progression:
“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`
Though slightly more complex than the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, the Beatles’ track also relies on a solid major chord structure with the I and V chords featuring prominently.

2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Verse Chord Progression:
“`
D Major (I)
C Major (flat-VII)
G Major (IV)
“`
Here the I and V chords are present alongside a flat-VII chord. This progression shares a similar rock/country feel with “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”.

These examples show how the I-V progression found in “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is a popular choice in the rock music genre.

Musical Analysis

This song starts and ends on a ‘C Major’ chord, showing no modulations throughout the verse. The ‘I-V’ chord progression is common in rock and popular music. This progression provides a solid, relaxing feel perfect for the lyrics which talk about experiencing change and facing difficult times.

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Overall Analysis

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock song written in the key of C Major. It’s a brilliant representation of 60s and 70s folk-rock music with a chord sequence that is very recognizable, even to this day.

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Style Analysis

Creedence Clearwater Revival is known for its distinctive swamp rock style. The chords chosen for “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” allows the band to blend elements of rock, pop, and country. The repetitive ‘I-V’ progression in the verse and the sophisticated yet simple melody line gives the song its timeless appeal.

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Chords in the Verse section of Have You Ever Seen The Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival are:

[‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’]