Music Theory Secrets of "Let It Be" - Analysis
"Let It Be" achieves its enduring, comforting, and quasi-religious feel through simple yet masterful choices in harmony and melody. The key "secrets" that make this song a harmonic masterpiece are: 1. The Comforting Harmony: Plagal Cadence (4 to 1) The song is built in the key of C Major , primarily using the common 1-5-6-4 progression ( $\text{C-G-Am-F}$ ). Its emotional heart lies in the Plagal Cadence (the F to C or 4 to 1 chord change) found repeatedly in the chorus. Function: Known as the "Amen" cadence, this movement provides a gentle, conclusive feeling of peace and resolution, perfectly supporting the lyric "Let it be." This is the core element that gives the song its quasi-religious, hymn-like atmosphere. 2. The Sophisticated Foundation: Melodic Bass Line The song features a dual-bass function that creates textural depth: Piano (Paul McCartney): Provides the steady, rhythmic root notes on the beat, anchoring the harmony. Electri...