Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails features a haunting and melancholic chord progression typical of the alternative rock and industrial rock genres. The tonality of the piece centers around the key of C major, with occasional borrowed chords and chromaticism adding emotional color and tension. The verse and chorus sections both feature a similar pattern of repeating chords as well as a descending bass line connecting the chords, giving the piece cohesion.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse features a harmonically straightforward chord progression within the rock style. This progression is primarily based in the key of E minor and centers around the Em, Bm, and A chords. Throughout the song, the driving rhythm, vocal melodies, and transitions between different sections contribute to its energetic and dramatic qualities.

The chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Lord Only Knows” is in the key of B Major and features some chromaticism and borrowed chords that give it a unique and somewhat unexpected sound. The chords move predominantly in fourths and fifths. The nature of the progression is reminiscent of rock and folk music, but Beck’s quirky and stylistic approach also evokes an alternative feel.

Nine Inch Nails – Something I Can Never Have – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

Chord Progression

C, Em, F, C/G, Em, F, C, Em, F, C/G, Em, F, Bb, Fmaj7, Ab

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – E Minor (iii) – F Major (IV) – C Major/G (I6/4) – E Minor (iii) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – E Minor (iii) – F Major (IV) – C Major/G (I6/4) – E Minor (iii) – F Major (IV) – Bb Major (bVII) – F Major7 (IVmaj7) – Ab Major (bVI)

Borrowed Chords:
Bb Major (bVII) and Ab Major (bVI) are borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead – C Major (I) – E Minor (iii) – F Major (IV) – F Minor (iv)
2. “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode – C Major (I) – D Minor (ii) – F Major (IV) – Ab Major (bVI) – G Major (V)

As seen, these examples also utilize borrowed chords and the mixture of major and minor chords to create an unsettled and emotional atmosphere. Note that these progressions are not identical but share similarities in their use of chords and tonality.

Musical Analysis

The song starts with the verse in C Major, which acts as the tonal center. The verse progresses from C Major to E Minor, creating a sense of tension as the Em chord is a iii chord, which has a less stable quality. The F Major chord adds further tension as it’s the IV chord in the progression. The C/G is a C Major chord in second inversion (I6/4), and its usage adds a nice bass movement to the progression. As the progression moves from C Major to E Minor and then to F Major again, the tension builds up until the arrival of the borrowed chords Bb Major and Ab Major towards the end of the progression. These borrowed chords, together with the Fmaj7, add further color and rhythmic interest to the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Something I Can Never Have” is characterized by its dark and haunting atmosphere, which is largely resulting from its chord progression and the use of borrowed chords. The fluctuation between diatonic chords and the two borrowed chords creates a sense of unease and desolation, which is a common trait in Nine Inch Nails’ music. The incorporation of both major and minor chords contributes to the emotional turmoil experienced throughout the song.

Chords in the Chorus section of Something I Can Never Have by Nine Inch Nails are:

C, Em, F, C/G, Em, F, C, Em, F, C/G, Em, F, Bb, Fmaj7, Ab