Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Intro
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em7’, ‘Em6’, ‘Cmaj7/E’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Bsus4’, ‘B’]
Chord Progression Analysis
**
Here are your requested full chord names and their roman numerals alongside:
1. `E Minor 7 (Em7) (‘ii7’)`
2. `E Minor 6 (Em6) (‘ii6’)`
3. `C Major Seventh over E (Cmaj7/E) (‘IVmaj7/6’)`
4. `E Minor (Em) (‘ii’)`
5. `A Minor (Am) (‘vi’)`
6. `B Suspended 4th (Bsus4) (‘VIsus4’)`
7. `B Major (B) (‘VI’)`
The progression starts with ii7-ii6 which gives a descending motion of the melody, moving to IVmaj7/6 which is a borrowed chord from E minor, yet still functions as a IV of the key of G major. Then back to ii, which gives more focus on E minor color. After that we have a vi to VIsus4-VI motion, which is a common move from 70’s pop music and Elton John loves to use these kinds of progressions.
**
Similar Chord Progressions
**
John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” has a similar progression. It begins on the ii7 of the scale and uses a variety of four-note chords to color the harmony.
`Em7 (‘ii7’) – Dmaj7 (‘Imaj7’) – A (‘V’) – G (‘IV’) – Em7 (‘ii7′) – D (£I’) – A (‘V’) – G (‘IV’)`
James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” also uses similar progressions:
`Em7 (‘ii7’) – A7/E (‘V7/6’) – Dmaj7 (‘Imaj7’) – Bm (‘iii’) – Bbm (‘biii’)`
In conclusion, Elton John’s chord progression in the song ’Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’ has many similarities to other progressions used by different artists. The beauty of music theory allows us to see these connections and deepen our understanding of the various elements which combine to make a memorable song.
Musical Analysis
**
The chord progression weaves closely with the melodic line, creating a poignant, reflective mood. The progression is rich in chromaticism, dominant-tonic motion, and suspensions which create musical tension and release. The shift from an Em tonal center to a G major tonal center creates an unexpected musicality, highlighting the emotive power of this song.
**
Overall Analysis
**
“Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” is a song by Elton John written in the key of G major. However, the tonal center of this song fluctuates between G major and its relative minor, Em. Sensitive to the modality of the melody, Elton incorporates “color” via his diverse chord selections. The harmonic movement in this song is richly chromatic, creating a sense of tension and release that intensifies the melancholic aura of the lyrics.
**
Style Analysis
**
Elton John’s music often contains dense harmonic textures, rich chromaticism, and a mix of major and minor tonalities, all of which are present in “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”. His judicious use of suspended chords along with minor 7th and 6th chords is evident. The harmonic complexity combined with the plaintive melody, and sincere lyrics make this song a timeless classic.
**
What are the chords in: Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Intro?
[‘Em7’, ‘Em6’, ‘Cmaj7/E’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Bsus4’, ‘B’]
