At a glance
- Key
- C Major
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Main progression
- ii7–I–IV–V–iii–vi
- Chords used
- F · G · Em · Am · C · Dm7
Summary
As the second single from her debut album 'She's So Unusual,' this track established Cyndi Lauper as a serious songwriter and emotional powerhouse. It blends jangly guitar hooks with atmospheric synthesizers and a ticking LinnDrum rhythm to create one of the most enduring power ballads in music history.
Chord Sheet
Chords Used
Progression by Section
Intro
Pre chorus
Chorus
Verse
Chord Diagrams
Musical Analysis
The harmonic brilliance of 'Time After Time' lies in its restraint. By utilizing a ii-I oscillation in the verses and a IV-V-iii-IV loop in the transitions, the song creates a feeling of 'searching' or 'drifting.' The listener is only granted a full resolution…
History
The song was written during the final stages of the 'She's So Unusual' sessions. Producer Rick Chertoff felt the album needed one more song, so Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman (of The Hooters) stayed late at the studio to collaborate. They sat at a piano and develo…
“Rob Hyman, the co-writer, provides the prominent harmony vocals during the chorus.”
Full musical analysis
The harmonic brilliance of 'Time After Time' lies in its restraint. By utilizing a ii-I oscillation in the verses and a IV-V-iii-IV loop in the transitions, the song creates a feeling of 'searching' or 'drifting.' The listener is only granted a full resolution to the tonic C major chord during the hook, which provides the emotional 'home' or 'devotion' described in the lyrics.
The song was written during the final stages of the 'She's So Unusual' sessions. Producer Rick Chertoff felt the album needed one more song, so Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman (of The Hooters) stayed late at the studio to collaborate. They sat at a piano and developed the melody and lyrics, building on a title Lauper had seen earlier.
As the second single from her debut album 'She's So Unusual,' this track established Cyndi Lauper as a serious songwriter and emotional powerhouse. It blends jangly guitar hooks with atmospheric synthesizers and a ticking LinnDrum rhythm to create one of the most enduring power ballads in music history.
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Song DNA
Genre
Pop
Era
80s
Mood
Nostalgic
Tempo
Mid-tempo Ballad
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Synth-driven
Feel
Straight
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Statistics
10.1M
Plays
1.5M
Listeners
718K
Genius Views
13
Annotations
100%
Popularity
4:00
Duration
4/4
Time
Credits
Written by
Produced by
From the album She’s So Unusual