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6.10.4 Half Cadences: "Tracks of My Tears" Chords and Progression
Half cadences make the chord progression of "Track of My Tears" memorable. The chord map of this song’s chord progression shows the same three-chord orbit pattern as “Heartbreak Hotel.” But “Tracks Of My Tears” has a subtle change in the chord progression of the chorus that makes a big difference (Figure 77):
FIGURE 77: Chord Map of “Tracks Of My Tears” (Words and Music by Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, and Marvin Tarplin, 1967)
In the verse, half cadences alternate with authentic cadences. A half cadence or imperfect cadence ends on the dominant chord. It leaves the ear in suspense, waiting for resolution.
In the chorus, unlike the verse, half cadences continue until the end of the chorus. This infuses the chorus with a greater urgency to resolve. It keeps your brain in suspense.
It’s better to use a string of half cadences like this in the chorus than in the verse. It’s an effective technique used masterfully in this song.