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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of Weezer’s song “Say It Ain’t So” can be analyzed as a simple and memorable chord progression in the key of C major. The progression features a repeating pattern of four chords: Am, E, F, and C.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.

The chord progression in the bridge of “Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a relatively simple progression that revolves around the C Major and G Major chords, with brief appearances of D Major and E minor add9 chords. The piece showcases Pink Floyd’s signature progressive rock style, with steady changes between chords and a sense of tension and release.

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” is a Beatles song composed in the key of D Major. It’s a classic example of Paul McCartney’s knack for catchy pop songwriting. This song showcases McCartney’s affinity for borrowing chords to make his progressions more interesting.

Weezer – Say It Aint So – Bridge

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Chord Progression

G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, Am, E, F, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – G major (IV) – G/F# (IV/2) – C major (I) – Eb major (bIII) – A minor (vi) – E major (V/ii) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

Borrowed Chord:
`Eb major (bIII)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord progression: G major (I) – B major (III) – C major (IV) – Cm (iv)

2. David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Chord progression: E minor (i) – G major (III) – C major (VI) – A major (IV) – F major (II)

In these examples, the chord progressions also utilize borrowed chords and chromatic harmony, giving the songs a similar sense of tension and unpredictability.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in the bridge mainly employs diatonic chords like G major, C major, and A minor. However, the Eb major chord is borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor) and creates a chromatic twist in the harmony. The slash chords such as G/F# add a stepwise bass motion that contributes to a smooth and interesting harmonic progression.

The gradual movement from the G major to G/F# displays an example of chromaticism and helps connect the IV chord smoothly to the I chord. Additionally, the E major chord towards the end can be analyzed as a secondary dominant (V/ii), which resolves to the F major chord before resolving back to the tonic.

Overall Analysis

The bridge of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an intriguing chord progression, which presents both diatonic and borrowed chords, as well as chromatic harmony. The song’s key is C major, but it touches on the parallel minor key and incorporates unusual chords such as the Eb major chord, which adds tension and surprise. The chord progression and harmonic rhythm are fairly consistent throughout the bridge, creating a sense of unity.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” bridge exemplifies the band’s alternative rock sound, incorporating some traditional components of pop-rock harmony while also exploring more experimental territory. The unexpected chords create a sense of tension and unpredictability that is a hallmark of Weezer’s music. The chord progression’s simplicity and repetitiveness make it a great example of what makes Weezer’s songwriting style unique.

Chords in the Bridge section of Say It Aint So by Weezer are:

G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, G, G/F#, C, Eb, Am, E, F, C