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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The bridge of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” features a mixture of diatonic chords and borrowed chords. This creates a sense of continuous flow, which is commonly found in many popular music songs. The progression contains primary chords (G, C, and F) and a secondary chord (Dm7).

The chord progression in the hook of Beck’s “Heart Is A Drum” is in the key of C major and follows a strong diatonic harmonic structure, with the exception of the Dm7, which acts as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (C minor). The progression exudes a feeling of longing and nostalgia, typical of many popular songs in the indie-folk genre.

This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a prog-rock song featured on their iconic album, “The Wall.” Its chord progression showcases a unique blend of chords that creates a sense of yearning and emotional intensity. The use of borrowed chords from parallel keys enhances the song’s emotive quality, and the overall structure shows a level of harmonic sophistication typical of Pink Floyd’s work.

Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song in A major key. The chord progression seems simple at first, with a repetitive motive throughout the verse but it creates a hypnotic effect that is very much in line with Tame Impala’s psychedelic style.

Beck – Heart Is A Drum – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I) – Dm7 (ii7) – C (I) – C (I) – Dm7 (ii7) – C (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Bob Dylan – “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”
Chord Progression: C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – C (I) – D7/F# (V7/ii) – G (V) – G7 (V7)

2. Nick Drake – “Northern Sky”
Chord Progression: C (I) – E7 (III7) – Am7 (vi7) – C/G (I) – Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) – G (V)

3. José González – “Heartbeats”
Chord Progression: C (I) – E (III) – Am (vi) – Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) – G (V) – C (I)

While none of these progressions are identical to that of “Heart Is A Drum,” they all demonstrate a similar inclination for simplicity and emotion, by blending the stability of the diatonic chords with subtle harmonic twists that add character and depth to the music.

Musical Analysis

The simple, repetitive chord progression effectively communicates an introspective, pensive mood that is consistent with the song’s theme. Alternating between the tonic and subdominant chords in this way creates a sense of stability, as the movement between these chords is neither driven by the strong dominant-tonic relationship, nor surprising with any borrowed chords or dramatic modulations. The use of a minor seventh chord—a more emotionally complex sound—adds depth to the subdominant harmony and contrasts subtly with the straightforward major triad on the other chords.

Overall Analysis

“Heart Is A Drum” by Beck is a simple, yet emotional and effective piece, written in the key of C major. The chord progression of the verse revolves around the tonic (C) and the subdominant (Dm7), resulting in a gentle, down-to-earth feel, characteristic of Beck’s folk and alternative music influences.

Style Analysis

This chord progression reflects Beck’s signature blend of styles, drawing from folk, alternative, and even a hint of gospel harmony, with the ii7 chord evoking a gentle soulfulness. The minimalist and reflective nature of this progression is consistent with the introspective lyrical content of the song, and the simplicity of the harmonic structure allows for a more prominent focus on the melody and lyrics.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Heart Is A Drum by Beck are:

C, Dm7, C, C, Dm7, C