Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah – Verse 2
Hallelujah < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am
Chord Progression Analysis
C Major (I) – A Minor (vi) – C Major (I) – A Minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – C Major (I) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – A Minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – G Major (V) – E7 (V/vi) – A minor (vi)
Borrowed Chords:
None in this particular progression.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A Minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C major (I)
2. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’”:
E Major (I) – B Major (V) – C# Minor (vi) – A Major (IV) – E Major (I) – B Major (V) – A Major (IV) – E Major (I)
3. Adele – “Someone Like You”:
A major (I) – E Major (V) – F# Minor (vi) – D Major (IV)
While these examples do not follow the exact chord progression found in “Hallelujah,” they do share the I-vi-IV-V pattern, giving them a similar sense of resolution and emotional depth within their respective styles.
Musical Analysis
The second verse of “Hallelujah” follows a cyclic chord progression that prominently features the I-vi-IV-V progression, which is an extremely common progression in popular music. This progression has a strong sense of resolution, particularly when moving from the V to the I chord. The use of the secondary dominant (E7, or V/vi) in the 15th measure of this verse brings additional tension and interest, as it creates an expectation that the progression will resolve within the relative minor key (A minor).
Overall Analysis
“Hallelujah” is a song by singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley and is a cover of a song originally written by Leonard Cohen. The song is in the key of C major and features a moderate tempo with a 6/8 time signature. This particular chord progression, taken from the second verse, consists mainly of diatonic chords found within the key, but also includes a few borrowed chords and a secondary dominant, giving the song a sense of tension and release.
Style Analysis
“Hallelujah” contains a mixture of contrasting moods and imageries, which can be musically described as haunting and introspective. The chord progression, particularly the repeated use of the I-vi-IV-V, harkens back to the classic doo-wop era of the 1950s and 60s, but the overall style is more in line with the alternative and indie rock of the 1990s, when Buckley’s version was released. The addition of the secondary dominant gives the progression an unexpected twist, contributing to the overall sense of longing and emotional depth.
What are the chords in: Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah – Verse 2?
C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am
