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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The verse of Taylor Swift’s “ME!” features a chord progression that is archetypal for upbeat pop music, echoing themes of brightness and positivity. This progression harnesses straightforward harmonic movement to support the song’s enthusiastic vibe, making it highly effective for conveying the song’s message of self-love and confidence.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a verse chord progression that is both simple and evocative, utilizing variations of the tonic chord to create a sense of movement and build tension before resolving into more straightforward chord changes. This kind of progression is characteristic of songs that aim to evoke a contemplative or narrative-driven mood, which is a frequent theme in Swift’s songwriting.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, released in 2004, is an alt-rock anthem that largely follows a 4-chord progression throughout the song. The key signature of the song is E minor (derived from the root chord), and essentially all chords used in the song are diatonic, meaning they are derived from the scales of the key. The chorus shifts to a progression in C Major. However, it returns to E minor at the end.

“Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones uses a common rock arrangement with a focus on the V, I, and vi chords. The distinguishing factor for this particular progression is its consistent use of inverted chords to create more linear, and stepwise, bass lines.

Taylor Swift – Me – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, Am, F, G, G7

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression used in the chorus of “ME!” remains faithful to the key of C major and consists of the following chords:

“`
C Major (I)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
G Major (V)
G7 (V7)
“`

This progression is entirely diatonic to the key of C major, containing no borrowed chords. It cycles through a basic but effective I-vi-IV-V pattern, a staple in pop music, which is rounded off with the addition of a G7 chord to add a slight tension before resolving back to the tonic.

Similar Chord Progressions

The I-vi-IV-V progression is immensely popular in various music genres, particularly in pop and rock, due to its harmonic fullness and versatility. Here are similar progressions in other well-known songs:

The Beatles – “Let It Be”
“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`

Maroon 5 – “She Will Be Loved”
“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`

Bob Marley – “No Woman, No Cry”
“`
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
“`

These songs demonstrate the universal appeal of the I-vi-IV-V progression, each employing it in a way that supports their unique stylistic and thematic content. In “ME!”, Taylor Swift adds her personal touch with upbeat, cheerful instrumentation and production choices that emphasize the song’s playful and empowering message.

Musical Analysis

The use of the I-vi-IV-V pattern in “ME!” is classic and straightforward, providing a solid, uplifting foundation that complements the song’s upbeat lyrics and melodies. The progression is inherently pleasing and easy to listen to, making it highly suitable for a pop anthem that celebrates individuality and fun.

The addition of the G7 chord at the end of the cycle introduces a touch of dissonance, enhancing the resolution back to the tonic C Major. This use of a dominant seventh chord heightens anticipation and keeps the listener engaged, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise predictable pattern.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s song “ME!” employs a bright and catchy chord progression that’s emblematic of pop music’s joyful and exuberant character. This progression underpins the song’s themes of self-affirmation and positivity, making it an infectious and memorable part of the track.

Style Analysis

Taylor Swift’s “ME!” is a quintessential pop track, utilizing bright, major chords and rhythmic, sing-along melodies that align with the genre’s appeal to broad audiences. The straightforward chord progression underscores Swift’s ability to craft songs that are both catchy and emotionally resonant, maintaining simplicity in structure to ensure the focus remains on the lyrics and melodic hooks.

Chords in the Chorus section of ME! by Taylor Swift are:

C, Am, F, G, G7