The Beatles – Eight Days A Week – Verse 2
Eight Days A Week < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is a detailed chord progression analysis list and the identified borrowed chords:
1. D (I)
2. E7 (II7)
3. G (IV)
4. D (I)
5. D (I)
6. E7 (II7)
7. G (IV)
8. D (I)
“`A borrowed chord occurs in this progression is: E7 which is a II7, borrowed from the D Mixolydian mode.“`
Similar Chord Progressions
The Beatles influenced a raft of artists who have used similar chord progressions in their work. The Kinks’ song “Waterloo Sunset” employs a similar progression: [‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]. The song “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers also bares a resemblance, with a partial chord progression of [‘D’, ‘E’, ‘G’, ‘D’]. Remember that the reinterpretation of chord progressions in different compositions is a common practice in music.
Musical Analysis
The verse 2 chord progression creates a pleasing seesaw effect, toggling back and forth between familiar tonal centers. The E7 chord introduces an interesting touch as it functions as a secondary dominant (V/V), momentarily shifting our hearing towards the key of A. However, instead of resolving to A, it moves to G, a deceptive resolution that adds an unexpected twist. The E7 is also borrowed from the Mixolydian mode, blending in a bluesy element to the major tonality, whilst the D and G chords firmly anchor the song in the D major key.
Overall Analysis
“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.
Verse 2
Style Analysis
Despite the straightforward melodies and harmonies, “Eight Days A Week” is a perfect example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to songwriting that pushed the boundaries of pop music. It uses an unusual blend of major/minor tonalities and modal interchange, something not commonly seen in music at the time. Reminiscent of the folk and country music from which they drew inspiration, the song transcends traditional stylistic boundaries, falling somewhere between pop, rock, and folk.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Eight Days A Week – Verse 2?
[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]
