The Beatles – Something – Middle 8
Something < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘A’, ‘C#m/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘A/E’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘A’, ‘C#m/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘A/E’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Before sharing the chord progression with its full names and Roman numerals, I need to clarify the key we are in when the chords are played. In this middle eight, the song modulates to the key of A major (based on the first and last chords of this section).
“`
A (‘I’),
C#m/G# (‘iii/vi’),
F#m7 (‘vi7’),
A/E (‘I/v’),
D (‘IV’),
G (‘bVII’),
A (‘I’),
A (‘I’),
C#m/G# (‘iii/vi’),
F#m7 (‘vi7’),
A/E (‘I/v’),
D (‘IV’),
G (‘bVII’),
C (‘bIII’)
“`
As shown above, the bVII (G) and the bIII (C) chords are borrowed chords from the parallel minor key.
Similar Chord Progressions
Following are a few instances of other artists using
Musical Analysis
“Something,” like much of The Beatles’ later catalogue, showcases the complexity and experimentation characterising their sound. The middle eight section is a good example, moving fluidly through chord changes, which are anchored by the stable I chord, but float through a series of modulations. The borrowed chords lend a slightly unsettled, uncertain feeling to the progression, typical of The Beatles’ less conventional songwriting.
Overall Analysis
“Something” is composed in C Major; however, it modulates to several different keys. The song’s chord progression is relatively complex and less adherent to traditional tonality, typical of much of The Beatles’ work, particularly in their later years. Throughout the song, they make use of several common progressions, but with a few unique changes.
Style Analysis
This song is a wonderful representation of the approach to harmony developed by The Beatles, especially McCartney and Harrison, from the mid-period onwards. It partially roots itself in traditional tonality but isn’t afraid to borrow chords and even modulate keys to add some unexpected twists, creating a richly nuanced harmonic texture.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Something – Middle 8?
[‘A’, ‘C#m/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘A/E’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘A’, ‘C#m/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘A/E’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
