how long can you keep one chord interesting?

and yet, it seems like most interesting songs only have about 3 chords. thus the challenge.

Past 3 chords, they get way too busy fast.

Past 3 chords, they get way too busy fast.

I seem to mostly write 4 chord songs. Usually in a 1 chord per measure cycle during the verse, switching up the order and length in the chorus. But it may be linked to my obsession with even numbers.

Maybe we all need to be aware that the actual definition of "chord" isn't set in concrete. Basically, to keep with the question posed in this thread, somewhere the root needs to be kept intact but "surrounded". That's about all, I guess...

Cat