Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” is composed in the key of A Major, but utilizes a number of chord extensions and non-diatonic chords to create a dreamy, nostalgic soundscape fitting the song’s theme of reminiscing about childhood.

**

Given by the chords you’ve provided, it appears the song “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins is primarily in the key of D Major with occasional borrowed chords from D minor and E minor. The varying uses of D Major, D minor, and E minor really showcase the variety in Billy Corgan’s guitar writing.

**

The song ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its defining characteristics include plaintive repeated melodies, an intense grunge-inspired arrangement, and Dolores O’Riordan’s iconic vocal embellishments. The song employs a common rock/pop chord progression with added tension by using the D/F# chord.

Johnny Cash – Hurt – Chorus 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Am, F, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

vi, IV, I, V

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:

C – G – Am – F
I – V – vi – IV

2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley:

C – G – Am – F
I – V – vi – IV

3. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga:

G#m – E – B – F#
vi – IV – I – V

4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake:

Am – F – C
vi – IV – I

As seen in each of the examples, the (I – V – vi – IV) progression is very common and effective for creating pop/rock songs. In each case, the mood of the song is impacted by the artists’ handling of tempo, rhythm, melody, and lyrics over the chord progression.

Musical Analysis

Rhythmically, the song has an almost march-like quality, with a steady tempo that reinforces the desolate, endless feel of the song. Melodically, “Hurt” is straightforward, making use of the tonal center C and focusing primarily on the tonic, third, and fifth tones of the scale with infrequent chromatic non-chord tone use.

Overall Analysis

“Hurt” is a song written and composed by Trent Reznor, best known for its version covered by Johnny Cash in C major. The song employs a commonly used pop/rock chord progression (vi- IV- I- V), that aids the conveyance of the theme of regret and redemption. The use of the minor vi chord (Am) as the starting point of the progression provides a very melancholy feel that aligns with the overall tone of regret in the lyrics. The progression then moves to a major IV (F), suggestive of a brief glimpse of hope or relief, before settling into the home key of C. The progression rounds off with a V chord (G), propelling the sequence back to the beginning again, giving a cyclic, repeating, and enduring feel to the music.

Style Analysis

Johnny Cash’s rendition of the song retains the somber feel of the original yet imbues it with his characteristic country sound, his deep baritone voice, and just an accompaniment on his acoustic guitar. The simplicity and stripped back nature of the performance, combined with the weightiness the chord progression lends itself to the sincerity of the emotion that is being conveyed – regret, salvation, and ultimately, acceptance.

Chords in the Chorus 2 section of Hurt by Johnny Cash are:

Am, F, C, G