Music Lesson: Analyzing the Second Verse of "Angels"

Overview

The second verse in "Angels" is notably shorter than the first. Here's a breakdown of its components and why it works effectively within the song.

Second Verse Insights

• Structure:

  • "When I'm feeling weak,
    When I'm feeling weak and my pain walks down a one-way street."

• Melody Changes:

  • The melody differs slightly from the first verse, but the same chords are used.

• Chord Clashes:

  • In the first verse, the chords can clash with the melody, but we decided to keep it brief in the second verse to flow into the chorus more quickly.
  • This choice helps maintain momentum, as the chorus is ultimately more important.

Pre-Chorus Transition

• The last part of the first verse, often referred to as the pre-chorus, goes:
  • "As the feeling grows, she breathes flesh to my bones,
    And when love is dead, I'm loving angels instead."

Importance of Asymmetry

• The asymmetry of both verses adds to the song's flow, preventing it from becoming stagnant.
• While choruses can be the same length, first and second verses do not always have to align.

The Middle Eight

• Need for a Middle Eight:

  • Rob, my songwriting partner, preferred fewer words for easy memorization, especially for an international audience.

• Lyric Example:

  • "When I come to call, she won't forsake me,
    I'm loving angels instead."

Chord Exploration

• When creating the middle eight, I seek new chords to keep the journey fresh.

  • We decided on B minor, which contributes a new feeling and tension without a key change.

• The chord progression:

  • Moves from B minor to other chords before returning to the home key E.

Final Chorus

• As we conclude:
  • "And through it all, she offers me protection,
    A lot of love and affection,
    Whether I'm right or wrong,
    And down the waterfall,
    Wherever it may take me,
    I know that life won't break me,
    When I come to call, she won't forsake me,
    I'm loving angels instead."

Bass Note Considerations

• The chord "When I come to call" can significantly influence the emotional impact because of its bass note:

  • Using G# instead of the tonic creates a better lead into the next chord.

• Lesson:

  • Always consider your bass notes for added depth.
  • Explore options beyond the root, including thirds and fifths.

The Hook

• The little piano melody fills a gap in the melody, creating a memorable hook:
  • "I'm loving angels instead."

Melodic Choices

• The choice of sixths over thirds enhances the emotional resonance of the melody and becomes a sing-along favorite during performances.

Final Thoughts

• The recording session was a tight one, even as I managed a sinus infection.
  • "The show must go on" is a guiding principle in my career, ensuring I've never missed a gig.

By considering all these elements, you can better understand the artistic choices that make "Angels" resonate with its audience.