‘Endsong’: The Cure’s most heartbreakingly beautiful chord progression
If God looked upon the world, pop music emerged as it basked in his light, and only when he turned his back did goths crawl out of the shadow cast. Draped in black, skin pale, and hair frayed the gothic movement has inspired some of the most dynamic, full-bodied and heart-wrenching sounds ever committed to wax. At the centre of it all is none other than The Cure.
When you go back through The Cure’s discography, it’s overwhelming to experience just how mind-altering some of their cinematic music is. It’s a sound that has corners and is maze-like, deep, and winding enough to get lost in. They use simple chord progressions but build on them with effects and various rhythms in a bid to create something that feels deep enough to swim in. It’s a real treat to listen to them, to put earphones in and allow their music to take you on whatever journey they have mapped out.
The instrumentation in their music conveys more emotion than many musicians would be able to convey in a whole novel’s worth of lyrics. They have a real talent for conveying feelings sonically, and that is arguably best displayed on their most recent album, Songs of a Lost World.
A lot of great bands and artists start to lose their edge when they make music later in their careers, but maturity has given The Cure control over their songwriting abilities, which has seen them create some of the greatest music they’ve ever put out. Their most recent album is a great example of this, as the doom-laden theme of the record manifests as both a reflection and celebration of life. Each song feels like an odyssey, something to revel in every single second.
While every song on the album is a standout, the greatest has to be the closing number, appropriately named ‘Endsong’. Coming in at a whopping ten minutes, this song passes by in a flash as the most reflective piece on the album builds, going through different stages and themes but only ever using the same chord progression.
E minor. One note ringing out, a staggered drum pattern, tone well and truly set. This is the foundation upon which the rest of the track is built. D. Slightly more uplifting than the starting note, but the organ it’s played on looks you right in the eye while it shakes your hand. This is a dark track, make no mistake. C. Opening lyrics don’t come until around five minutes into the track, but Robert Smiths warm vocals greet you like a long-lost friend, even if their delivery is laced with sorrow. Em. “And I’m outside in the dark, staring at the blood red moon, remembering the hopes and dreams I had, and all I had to do.”
It’s one of music’s most wonderful contradictions, the fact that the song is equal parts sad and beautiful. The chord progression feels as though it has the power to help you ascend, but at the same time, there can be no mistake about the sadness that it lays a foundation for. The Cure’s ability to take the listener on a journey remains as intact as ever, and there is no better example than their track ‘Endsong’.
