Musical Analysis Part 1- General Information

Genre: Pop rock

Topic: Peace

Personal:
The themes and feelings in the positive and hopeful song "Beautiful Day" are something
I can picture. Many listeners may be moved or inspired by the song's message of
finding joy and faith in the face of hardship. In the end, each person's emotional
response to music is unique and subjective. Overall, I believe the song offers a moving
way to consider how important awareness, compassion, and teamwork are to how we
live.

Important facts:
Beautiful Day was written by the Irish rock band U2. and the song was released in
2000, a year after the Beatles broke up. It remains one of the most popular songs to
promote peace.

Inspiration (What is the context)

The experience Bono had with Jubilee 2000, an event that pushed politicians to cancel
the Third World Debt, served as the basis for the song's lyrics. The subject of the song,
according to Bono, is "a man who has lost everything, but finds joy in what he still has."

Interesting facts:
- In the UK, "Beautiful Day" went to #1 its first week, beating out "Kids," a duet by
Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue that was expected to claim the top spot.
- This won 2000 Grammys for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best
Rock Performance By Duo Or Group.
- Barack Obama often played "Beautiful Day" during his 2008 presidential
campaign.
- On February 21, 2001, U2's hit single 'Beautiful Day' took home three awards at
the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards

Musical Analysis Part 2 (more in depth analysis)

Title / Composer/basic information
The genre of Beautiful day is pop rock and composed by Adam Clayton, Larry
Mullen Jr, David Howell Evans and Bono. Pop rock is a combination of popular
music and rock, which is often powered by guitars and drums. Beautiful day is a
descriptive word that has many possibilities, as do the lyrics. The word Beautiful day
is repeated many times and is the main purpose of this song, to create motivation.
Tempo / Time Signature/Key Signature
The original key of the song "Beautiful Day" by U2 is E major. The song follows a
repeating pattern of E major, B major, C# minor, and A major. The tempo of the song
is kind of allegro which is kind of fast. This tempo gives the song a lively and
energetic feel, contributing to its uplifting and anthemic nature. The time signature is
4/4.
A timeline of the structure. (review all parts of the verse-chorus structure before you
start)

Verse 1: 0:00 - 0:54

Chorus: 0:54 - 1:09
Verse 2: 1:09 - 1:36
Chorus: 1:36 - 1:51
Post chorus: 1:51- 2:06
Bridge: 2:06 - 2:47
Chorus: 2:47 - 3:00
Post chorus: 3:00 - 3:17
Outro: 3:17 - 3:57

Verse 1: The chord progression in the verse is E major to B major, which creates a
sense of tension and release. The melody of the verse follows a pattern, starting with
higher notes and moving lower. The verse vocals are smooth, conveying a sense of
hope. The first verse of "Beautiful Day"focuses on themes of hope, and accepting life's
possibilities. The lyrics by Bono show a new beginning, overcoming challenges in the
past, and finding happiness in the present.

Chorus: The chord progression in the chorus follows a pattern of A major, E major, B
major, and C# minor. The melody of the chorus is melodic and anthemic. Bono's vocals
soar and convey a sense of joy and celebration.

Verse 2: The verse 2 follows a similar structure as verse 1 but different lyrics.

Bridge: The song's bridge offers self-aware lyrics which promote reflection. With a
reflective and moving message that fits with the song's overall theme, Bono's vocals
use the spotlight. The chord progression is:G major - A major - E major - G major - A
major - B major. These are all major chords, providing a sense of brightness and
resolution within the bridge section of the song.

Outro: The chords typically follow the same progression as the previous sections of the
song. This may include the chords E, G#m, C#m, and A. It is an instrumental section
without specific vocal melodies or include improvised guitar or other instrumental parts.
 Bibliography

Beautiful Day by U2 - Songfacts, www.songfacts.com/facts/u2/beautiful-day. Accessed

27 Aug. 2023.

“Beautiful Day Chords with Lyrics by U2 for Guitar and Ukulele @ Guitaretab.”

Guitaretab, 10 Aug. 2011, www.guitaretab.com/u/u2/287328.html. Accessed 36

Aug. 2023.

“Beautiful Day.” Singers.Com, www.singers.com/songs/Beautiful-Day. Accessed 25 Aug.

2023.

Goldstein, David. “A Song about Finding Happiness- Beautiful Day by U2.”

TeamBonding, 31 Mar. 2021, www.teambonding.com/beautiful-day-u2/.

Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.

Newsdesk, The Hot Press. “On This Day in 2001: U2’s ‘beautiful Day’ Won Three

Grammy Awards.” Hotpress, Hotpress, 22 Feb. 2021,

www.hotpress.com/opinion/on-this-day-in-2001-u2s-beautiful-day-won-three-gra

mmy-awards-22842797. Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.

“Pop Rock Music Guide: A Brief History of Pop Rock - 2023.” MasterClass,

www.masterclass.com/articles/pop-rock. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.

“U2 – Beautiful Day.” Genius, genius.com/U2-beautiful-day-lyrics. Accessed 27 Aug.

2023.