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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

The chord progression of “Beast Of Burden” by The Rolling Stones from verse 3 appears to be a standard pop/rock progression with a bit of melodic flavor. It features the chords of E major, B major, C# minor, and A major.

The song is in the key of E Major as that’s the chord the progression starts and ends with, and most of the chords are from the E major scale. There are no borrowed chords, and the progression is repetitive, maintaining a loop throughout most of the song.

Let’s move on to the detailed chord progression analysis, chord names, and their roman numerals.

“Love Of My Life” by Queen, especially Verse 3, showcases a mix of simple and complex harmony, with many secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished chords contributing to varying and shifting tonal centres. This makes for an emotional and contextually appropriate progression that fits well with the song’s lyrical content.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression shows an alternation in the use of Major and Minor chords, creating dynamic tension and contrasting feelings of positive/negative, tension/release. The unique progression, D – Em – G – Bm – A – G, sets up an interesting and unusual harmonic rhythm. There’s a reliance on IV and V Major chords and the ‘home’ chord is only resolved to periodically, which aids the song’s emotional intensity.

Similar Chord Progressions

“`plaintext
Em7 (ii7)
G (IV)
Dsus4 (Isus4)
A7sus4 (V7sus4)
“`

Musical Analysis

“Iris” has a distinct alternative rock style. There’s a sense of heart-on-sleeve emotional truth along with an edgy sound. This comes partially from the unique chord progressions used in the song. Additionally, there is a generous use of open chords throughout.

Overall Analysis

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Style Analysis

One song to compare “Iris” with might be “Wonderwall” by Oasis. “Wonderwall” has its distinct flavor, yet shares some similarities in the chord structure with “Iris”.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]