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"Five Feet High and Rising": How the Chord Progression
Works
Direct modulation is the easiest way to change keys. Even a complete dolt of a songwriter or arranger can do it. Consequently, that’s exactly what has happened over time.
So ...don’t do it.
Or, don’t do it unless you have a good reason and you really know what you’re doing.
Here are two examples of direct modulation done well, both by the great Johnny Cash (and both, incidentally, from the 1950s, when the technique had not yet been completely abused):
- “Five Feet High And Rising” ... In this tune, Cash keeps shifting the tune upward with each verse to match the ever-rising flood waters in the song’s lyrics. “Two feet high and rising ... Three feet high and rising ... Four feet high and rising..."