Nate Sloan

So as you mentioned, I teach music theory.

And one of the reasons I'm really excited to talk with you about this song is it makes some really clever musical choices.

I think that might be part of the reason it's been so resonant for so long.

All right.

We could start with the chord progression, maybe.

There's a moment when we get to the chorus that I think is so effective.

We're in the key of C major with this song.

The people's key.

The people's key, indeed.

The white keys, as many pianists know it.

And when we get to this line about being swept off your feet, we get this- Did the wind sweep you off your feet?

Did the wind sweep you off your feet?

We get this harmonic chord that always takes me by surprise, even though I've heard the song so many times.

Well, this line gets us a chord that I wouldn't expect.

It's a D major chord.

In the key of C major, that doesn't really belong.

It's an odd.

It's an odd chord, yeah.

But it gives the song this lift that feels like you're sailing across the sun, out in the Milky Way.

It's like literally sending you upwards because it's supposed to be a D minor chord according to the rules of music theory.