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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“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.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

“Kiss” by Prince is primarily a rock song that features pop elements. The song utilizes power chords which are common in rock music, having a stripped-down chord structure that highlights the root and the fifth notes of the chord. The defined chord progression listed for Verse 3 is: [‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]. This progression lacks the richness of Major or Minor chords but provides a solid, driving rhythm backbone to the song, prioritizing rhythmic energy over harmonic complexity.

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’]