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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song that features a distinctive, repetitive chord progression throughout the song. The tune has a somber, haunting quality and is set in a minor key. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the version by The Animals is the most famous.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song arranged by the British rock band in 1964. The song is known for its distinct and haunting minor sound, which has become one of the most famous examples of a minor key in popular music. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords that add variety and interest to the music.

“Bohemian Rhapsody”, composed by Queen, is a powerful anthem that merges elements of rock, opera, and progressive music. The chord progression demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of voice leading and functional harmony, contributing to its distinctive sound. Famous for its key changes and thematic progressions, the composition is often cited as an example of Freddie Mercury’s musical genius.

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

“Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins, was released in 1993 on their second album, “Siamese Dream.” The song is classic-’90s alternative rock with its layered guitars and emotionally raw lyrics. key is “E minor.”

The Animals – House Of The Rising Sun – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– E major (V)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– C major (III)
– D major (IV)
– F major (VI)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
– A minor (i)
– E major (V)
“`

Borrowed Chords:
“`
`F major (VI)`
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Chord Progression:
“`
C (I),
G (V),
Am (vi),
C (I),
G (V),
F (IV),
C (I),
G (V)
“`

2. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
Chord Progression:
“`
C (I),
Am (vi),
C (I),
Am (vi),
F (IV),
G (V),
C (I),
G7 (V7)
“`

These songs feature chord progressions that emphasize the movement through the circle of fifths and use borrowed chords, similar to “House of the Rising Sun.” The progressions in these two examples are in major keys but move to their relative minor key, and their use of borrowed chords adds tension and emotional depth to the songs.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression opens with a i-III-IV movement in the key of A minor, providing a sense of departure from the tonic, leading to the borrowed F major chord which adds a sense of tension and unexpectedness. This tension is then resolved through the strong V-i cadence (E major to A minor), giving a sense of finality and resolution.

The chord progression in “House of the Rising Sun” relies heavily on the circle of fifths, transitioning between chords whose roots are a fifth apart. This creates smooth voice leading and allows for the chords to progress naturally, enhancing the song’s melancholic mood.

Overall Analysis

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals features a repeating chord progression in a minor key that gives the song a haunting, melancholic feel. This progression moves through the circle of fifths, features borrowed chords from its relative major key and has a strong resolution from the dominant to the tonic.

Style Analysis

“House of the Rising Sun” is a folk ballad with roots in the traditional music of the American South, drawing on blues and gospel influences. This is reflected in the use of simple, diatonic chords and the prominence of the V-i resolution that is characteristic of many blues songs. The emotional, haunting quality of the music is amplified by a simple and repetitive melody that allows for the strong storytelling aspect of the lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals are:

Am, C, D, F, Am, C, E, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, C, D, F, Am, E, Am, E