Search

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.

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Guilty as Sin?” showcases a rich and dynamic chord progression that reflects the song’s emotional intensity and narrative depth. This progression, with its interplay of major, major seventh, and minor chords, provides a musical canvas that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics, indicative of Swift’s sophisticated songwriting approach.

This chorus from The Beatles’ “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill” is an example of clever use of common chord transitions with several shifts in tonality. The chord progression uses the tonic key of C Major and F minor, showing complex modulation derived from modal interchange and secondary dominant techniques.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Sexx Laws” by Beck is a non-diatonic chord progression that features chromatic and unexpected chords. The progression seems to be based in the key of E major, but the chords used are not strictly within the E major scale, providing a distinctive sound and style characteristic of Beck’s music. The progression contains some parallel major chords, giving it a distinct classic rock vibe.

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of The Stone Age is written in E Major key.

Taylor Swift – Me – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

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