The Beatles – Penny Lane – Chorus
Penny Lane < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, Bm, C, G, Bm, C, G, Bm, C, E7Chord Progression Analysis
Here, we will analyze the given section of the chorus against the context of the key of A major:
G Major: bVII
B Minor: ii
C Major: bIII
G Major: bVII
B Minor: ii
C Major: bIII
G Major: bVII
B Minor: ii
C Major: bIII
E7: V/viThe above chords contains borrowed chords which are chords borrowed from the parallel minor key, In the key of A major, the parallel minor is A minor. So, the G and C chords are borrowed from A minor.
Here’s the line with borrowed chords written in code block:
G Major (bVII), C Major (bIII)Similar Chord Progressions
The Beatles’ use of borrowed chords and key changes was influential and can be seen in many songs by other artists. For example, the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” uses similar techniques. In particular, “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” by Paul McCartney also utilizes a similar style of chord borrowing and modulations.
Chord progression in these songs:
“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys:
C (I), E7 (V/vi), F (IV), D (bII)“Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” by Paul McCartney:
G (I), E7(V/vi), A7 (dominant V)Musical Analysis
Notably, the primary chords in the progression (G and C) are not part of the A major scale. “Penny Lane” is characteristically Beatles-esque in its use of unexpected chord movements and key changes, which add intrigue to the piece without making it sound disjointed or random. The use of the V/vi (E7) chord as a pivot to transition between key areas is very nicely done and is an excellent example of the Beatles’ clever songwriting.
Overall Analysis
“Penny Lane,” written by the Beatles, utilizes key changes and borrowed chords to create an interesting and complex tonal palette. The song is best understood to primarily be in the key of A Major; however, it frequently borrows chords from the parallel minor key, uses unexpected dominant chords, and briefly modulates to other key areas for color and variety. This is characteristic of several Beatles songs, and it’s one of the ways they added complexity to their music while still remaining accessible.
Style Analysis
“Penny Lane” is characterized stylistically by its lush arrangements, complex harmonies, and stylistic mixture of traditional ‘pop’ songwriting, classical influence (particularly Baroque), and modern recording techniques. The section of the chorus analyzed here exemplifies this, with the borrowed chords adding unexpected color to the progression and the E7 resolving back to the home key in a satisfying manner.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Penny Lane – Chorus?
G, Bm, C, G, Bm, C, G, Bm, C, E7