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"Midnight Train to Georgia": How the Chord Progression Works
We've just seen how "Midnight Train to Georgia" avoids fifths-up chord progressions. Its other strength is chord progression diversity.
Although the progression has several fifths down changes, they do not form chains of three (as in the "Blue Moon" example) or more. This preserves their strength while preventing predictability.
The song also features a dynamic, repeating second progression (Em7 – F – G), which propels the harmony forward with considerable vigour.
There are even a few third progressions, up and down.
Diversity makes this a powerful chord progression. A good mixture of fifths, thirds, and seconds keeps the harmony interesting while never straying from solid tonality.