Lizzy McAlpine – Ceilings – Verse 2
Ceilings < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘B7’, ‘C’, ‘D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
Em (‘vi’),
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
G (‘I’),
D (‘V’),
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
Em (‘vi’),
D (‘V’),
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
Em (‘vi’),
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
G (‘I’),
D (‘V’),
Cadd9 (‘IV add9’),
B7 (‘III7’ – borrowed from the parallel minor),
C (‘IV’),
D (‘V’).
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie)
Chord progression: [F(‘IV’), C(‘I’), Am(‘vi’), F(‘IV’), C(‘I’), C(‘I’), G(‘V’)]
2. Let it Be (The Beatles)
Chord progression: [C(‘I’), G(‘V’), Am(‘vi’), F(‘IV’), C(‘I’), G(‘V’), F(‘IV’), C(‘I’)]
Note: These are comparable instances of the IV – I – vi – V progression appearing in major key songs. However, they do not necessarily implement the same cascading pattern or the exact extended and borrowed chords found in Lizzy McAlpine’s “Ceilings”.
Musical Analysis
The recurring sequence of Cadd9, Em, Cadd9, G, D adds a level of texture and harmonic variety often found in indie folk songs. Its engaging arrangement of IV – vi – IV – I – V is fairly common in popular music as it balances tension and release well.
The B7 chord, which is borrowed from the parallel minor, introduces an interesting tension to the progression – a feature common in pop and folk music.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
The predominant use of open voicing and added ninth chords characterize the performative style of indie folk music. Lizzy McAlpine’s compositions often use extensions of simple triadic chords for more complex harmonies and tonal color. This, combined with her thoughtful lyrics and emotive vocal delivery, contributes to her overall narrative and reflective style.
What are the chords in: Lizzy McAlpine – Ceilings – Verse 2?
[‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘Em’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘B7’, ‘C’, ‘D’]
