The Cranberries – Zombie – Verse 1
Zombie < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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Here are all the full chord names and their roman numerals:
1. E Minor (‘vi’)
2. C Major (‘IV’)
3. G Major (‘I’)
4. D Major/F# (‘V’), this chord is an inversion.
The pattern repeats throughout the entire song, and there are no borrowed chords in this progression.
“`vi-IV-I-V“`
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Similar Chord Progressions
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1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles. [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’]
2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley. [‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’]
3. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day. [‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘C’, ‘G’]
Note that each of these progressions is a variation of the vi-IV-I-V progression found in “Zombie”. Using the same pattern, these songs maintain a similar cyclical, versatile, and relatable sound, but with variations in rhythm, instrument voicing, and melody. The shared progression underscores the versatility of this progression and its resonance across different styles and periods in pop and rock music.
Musical Analysis
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This progression is cyclic and repetitive, common characteristics in pop and rock music as it provides a solid foundation for melody and vocals. The song doesn’t modulate or change keys, which keeps the focus on the vocal line and the song’s message and emotions.
The only slight variation in the chord pattern is the D/F# chord. The ‘/F#’ is a notation that indicates a particular note (F#) is used as the bass note in the construction of this D Major chord – this is known as an inversion, more specifically first inversion, as it places the third of the D Major chord (F#) in the bass.
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Overall Analysis
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“Zombie” by The Cranberries features a relatively commonly used chord progression in pop/rock music, often referred to as a ‘vi-IV-I-V’ progression. This chord progression, in this particular case, is in the key of G Major and is made up of four chords: Em, C, G, and D/F#.
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Style Analysis
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The Cranberries were known for their blending of alternative rock and pop, often incorporating post-punk influences in their music. The persistent cyclical chord progression in “Zombie” mirrors the song’s message – a protest against the endless cycles of violence. Its repetitive nature also adds a haunting element to the song, contributing to the overall poignant and solemn mood reflected in the lyrics and performance.
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What are the chords in: The Cranberries – Zombie – Verse 1?
[‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]
