Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock song written in the key of C Major. It’s a brilliant representation of 60s and 70s folk-rock music with a chord sequence that is very recognizable, even to this day.

##

The progression starts on the suspended II chord of the key, which anticipates resolution either to the tonic (E major) or the supertonic (F# minor). However, it instead moves to the dominant minor (C# minor), suggesting a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor). The D major chord which concludes the progression is a borrowed II from E minor as well.

“The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” features a verse in A minor with a brief but significant shift to F minor, due to the use of borrowed chords or modal mixture. Notably, it showcases The Beatles’ sophisticated approach to harmonization, utilizing unconventional chord progressions & modulations that are cyclical.

Weezer – If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To – Verse

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

Chord Progression

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D

Chord Progression Analysis

D (I) – Bm (vi) – G (IV) – Bb (`bVI`) – A (V) – D (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’]
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – `Cm (iv)`

2. The Beatles – “Something” [‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘`Fm`’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
C (I) – Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C7 (V7/IV) – F (IV) – `Fm (iv)` – C (I) – G (V) – C (I)

The chord progressions in these songs also feature borrowed chords from their respective parallel minor keys, adding interesting harmonic twists to otherwise simple chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The verse features a six-chord progression that starts with the tonic chord D major (I). It then moves to B minor (vi), acting as a predominant, followed by G major (IV), a subdominant that strengthens the predominant function. The fourth chord in the progression, Bb major (`bVI`), is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (D minor), introducing a chromatic element that adds some tension and interest. Following the borrowed chord, the progression goes to A major (V), which is the dominant to resolve back to the tonic D major (I).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the verse in Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To” uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of D Major. The use of the borrowed chord from the parallel minor key contributes to the unique sound of the progression.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s music is known for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics, often drawing from rock, punk, and power-pop influences. The use of borrowed chords in this progression, such as the `bVI` chord, adds color, and creates a mix of familiarity and novelty that keeps the listener engaged. This is a common technique in rock and pop music to make the harmony more interesting.

Chords in the Verse section of If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To by Weezer are:

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D