Creep by Radiohead

Score:
http://sheetmusicpalace.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.html

Background of Creep
This is a classic song by band, Radiohead, which was made famous in 1993's album Pablo Honey. It depicts a man’s strong unspoken feelings for a girl as to how much he adores and admires different aspects about her. (“When you were here before, couldn’t look you in the eye. You’re like an angel, your skin makes me cry.”)

However, his feelings become too overwhelming, that he is now desperate to have her attention. ("I don't care if it hurts, I want to have control. I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul.”) Reaching the climax of the song, it seems like he has confessed his feelings but unfortunately, has been rejected by the girl. His obsession of controlling the girl has caused the girl to avoid him. (“Oh.oh. She’s running out again. She’s running out. She run, run, run, run.)

Not able to win the heart of the girl he loves, it is seen that the man decides to give up. The feeling of melancholy sets into the song as the man feels a sense of inferiority and loss. ("Whatever makes you happy, whatever you want. You're so very special, I wish I was special.")

Few musical concepts worth mentioning:

1) Ostinato
With a glance at the score, the song is made up of simply one chord progression – G B C Cm, or I (Major) – III (Major) – IV (Major) – iv (Minor) which is played by arpeggiated chords throughout the verse and chorus of the song. The use of this repetitive motif portrays the man’s extensive obsession for the girl, where he keeps thinking about her incessantly, longing to be with her.

2) Tonal ambiguity
One can identify the key of this song is G major by looking at the key signature of this score. However, the establishment of this key centre is an ambiguous and less obvious one as compared to the clear establishment of keys seen in Classical songs. Tonal ambiguity can be explained by the following:

• Absence of common cadences

Looking from the chord progression or [ I (Major) – III (Major) – IV (Major) – iv (Minor)], there is no indication of any forms of punctuations in the musical syntax (ie. a comma, a full-stop in writing language). There is zero use of common cadences (ie. V-I, IV-I); where these common chord progressions are easily captured by our musically trained ears. Therefore, as one listens to it, it is relatively difficult to identify the key centre of the entire song. One maybe able to capture the slight reminiscence of a “somewhat” Plagal Cadence (from iv- I), which does not fully establish the key.

• Weak establishment of key in the beginning (bar 8)

While in the usual classical pieces that we’ve heard or played, the key is usually established on the first chord or in the first bar. However, looking at this song, it started off with iv (Minor), indicating tonal ambiguity that is present throughout the song.

3) Mixture harmony
The chord progression: I (Major) – III (Major) – IV (Major) – iv (Minor) shows a use of borrowed chords, thereby a mixture harmony is heard in this song.

The borrowed chords are:
· III (Major), which in its original key is iii (Minor)
· iv (Minor), which in its original key is IV (Major)

Hence:
I (Major) – III (Major) – IV (Major) – iv (Minor)
Borrowed Borrowed

The alternation of borrowed and diatonic chords greatly drives the music. In a way, the borrowed chords provided the element of “surprise”. Since these chords are sandwiched in between the common diatonic chords, a musical contour is hence created. One will not be satiated with the song as there is often constant element of “surprise”, thus propels the listener to listen to the song continuously.

4) Change of mode [IV (major) to iv (minor)]
Typically, our ears are tuned in such a way that major chords bring about happy moods, while minor chords bring out the opposite. The change of mode from IV to iv (major to minor) is used for an expressive purpose, reflecting musically the meaning of the text.
As one observes the text carefully, this change of mood corresponds with the change in feelings of this man. He is in love the girl, so much so that his overwhelming feelings are unexpressed. Hence, at the same time, he is experiencing agony and pain as his feelings are not portrayed to her.

And when he finally confessed his feelings, he was rejected. Thus, the sense of inferiority and rejection were expressed when iv (Minor), which corresponds with the lyrics.

5) Common tone
Perhaps what makes the unique chord progression sound “smooth” and acceptable by our musical ears is the common tone employed by the adjacent chords. Chords I and III has the common tone of B, and this common tone has the voice-leading tendency to move upwards, hence a common tone of C established in chord IV and iv.

6) Chromatic line, D - D# - E– Eb (5 – 5# - 6 – 6b)
A subtle chromatic line, D - D# - E– Eb (5 – 5# - 6 – 6b), is seen throughout the song. It reflects musically the emotions emphasized in the song. An instance of such is seen in bar 18- 19 (5 – 5#), and the “descending” contour of chromatic line in bar 21-23 (6 – 6b).
It can be explained as such - This line “creeps” upwards (G – G#) in the light of joy, anticipation for the girl. On the contrary, as the man is thrown back in despair and rejection, this chromatic line “descends” (from 6 – 6b).

Pardon the vulgarities seen in the lyrics! :) Personally, this is one song that I’ve been listening to for years! Never realise that such a beautiful song is made up by a simple chord progression, which can bring out the complex feelings and emotions portrayed in the song.