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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine, draws its magic from a mix of interesting chord progressions and different rhythms. The use of added notes in several chords (Cadd9, Emadd9) introduces additional color into the mix, creating a rich and thoughtful atmosphere. The tonality of the song is in G Major, despite the liberal use of the Cadd9 in the progression. We’ll use this tonality for the Roman numerals.

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles is in the key of D major. The song features a handful of basic major and minor chords with a sprinkling of interesting harmonic developments such as the E7 transition chord and the use of the B minor chord which provide a rich palette of colors for the progression.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

Lizzy McAlpine – Ceilings – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Emadd9’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Emadd9 (viadd9)
D (V)
“`
Note: In the given progression, all the chords are diatonic to the scale of G major except for the B7. The B7 is a secondary dominant which is borrowed from the key of E minor (which is the relative minor of G major).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” by The Beatles:
“`
G (I)
D (V)
Fadd9 (♭VIIadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Fadd9 (♭VIIadd9)
G (I)
“`
2. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script:
“`
G (I)
D (V)
Csus2 (IVsus2)
G (I)
D (V)
Csus2 (IVsus2)
Em7 (vi7)
D (V)
“`

These songs share a noteworthy resemblance with “Ceilings”, utilizing a significant use of added and suspended 2nd chords, which create a similar atmospheric vibe and style as that of Lizzy McAlpine.

Musical Analysis

There’s a consistent pattern of movement between the IVadd9-I-V chords (Cadd9, G, D). This back and forth is a common trait in folk-pop genre to reflect a storytelling narrative. The Emadd9 adds a bit of tension, creates some anticipation and smoothly takes us back to the start of the progression. The usage of added9 chords brings a more complex and intriguing texture to the song, enriching the standard major/minor chords.

Overall Analysis

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine is in the key of G Major, employing a mixture of major, minor, and additive chords to create a progression that lends itself to a pop/folk atmosphere. The song is largely composed of diatonic chords in the key of G Major, with an occasional use of a B7, which can be seen as a secondary dominant to Em.

Style Analysis

Lizzy McAlpine’s style in “Ceilings” could comfortably fit into the folk-pop sphere, utilizing relatively simple chord progressions and structures infused with additive chords for intricate melodic and harmonic depth. Her progression navigates perfectly well for her target emotion: a mellowed, introspective mood, that is common in her discography.

Chords in the Chorus section of Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine are:

[‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Emadd9’, ‘D’]