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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Lord Only Knows” is in the key of B Major and features some chromaticism and borrowed chords that give it a unique and somewhat unexpected sound. The chords move predominantly in fourths and fifths. The nature of the progression is reminiscent of rock and folk music, but Beck’s quirky and stylistic approach also evokes an alternative feel.

The provided chord progression is quite simple, with a single chord (F) repeated four times. This type of progression creates a static or stable feel, with no harmonic tension to resolve. This chord progression alone isn’t enough to give a complete musical analysis, as it’s quite minimalistic, and it’s necessary to evaluate the progression in the context of the entire song. However, I can still offer some thoughts on the progression’s possible function, style notes, and similar chord progressions.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth jazz and funk-influenced style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates a strong use of extended and altered chords, which create a richer texture and interesting harmonic movement. This particular chord progression is reminiscent of other popular songs from the same period and genre, displaying the influence of jazz harmony on contemporary R&B and pop music.

The chord progression for Verse 3 of “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a repeating pattern of C, G, D, A, E. The progression employs one borrowed chord and is loosely structured around the circle of fifths. The song features a blues-rock style, with a heavy emphasis on guitar playing and expressive solos.

Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), F# Major (IV), E Major (II), B Major (I), D Major (bIII), A Major (V), F# Major (IV), E Major (II)

Borrowed Chords:
“`
D Major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan
Chord progression: D Major (I), G Major (IV), A Major (V), Bb Major (bIII), G Major (IV), D Major (I)

2. “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Chord progression: F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (V), Ab Major (bIII), F Major (I), G Major (II), F Major (I), Bb Major (IV)

3. “The Weight” by The Band
Chord progression: G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII), G Major (I), Bb Major (bIII), F Major (VII)

Note that these songs may not share the exact same chord progression as “Lord Only Knows” but they do have similarities, including the use of the borrowed bIII chord.

Musical Analysis

In this chord progression, the song starts in the key of B Major. The progression moves between the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords, which are typical in tonal music. The interesting twist in this progression is the presence of the borrowed bIII chord (D Major).

The bIII chord (D Major) is borrowed from the parallel minor (B minor) and creates a feeling of tension and contrast to the tonal center of B Major. This tension-release dynamic adds depth and intrigue to the chord progression, giving it a sense of movement and unpredictability.

Overall Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” by Beck is a blend of folk and country with a touch of alternative rock. The song features an interesting chord progression, especially in Verse 3, which includes a mixture of major and minor chords as well as a few borrowed chords.

Style Analysis

“Lord Only Knows” combines elements of folk, country, and alternative rock in its chord progression and arrangement. The use of the borrowed bIII chord in Verse 3 is reminiscent of the harmonic language found in folk and country music, while the slightly unconventional structure and the blend of major and minor chords lend a nod to the alternative rock genre.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Lord Only Knows by Beck are:

B, D, A, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E, B, F#, E, B, D, A, F#, E