Beck – Lord Only Knows – Chorus
Lord Only Knows < All Analyses
Chord Progression
F#, B, F#, B, E, G#, B, G#, G, F#, B
Chord Progression Analysis
F# Major (V), B Major (I), F# Major (V), B Major (I), E Major (IV), G# Major (VI+), B Major (I), G# Major (VI+), G Major (bVI), F# Major (V), B Major (I)
Borrowed Chord:
`G Major (bVI)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Creep” by Radiohead: [‘G Major (I)’, ‘B Major (III)’, ‘C Major (IV)’, ‘C minor (iv)’]
2. “Blackbird” by The Beatles: [‘G Major (I)’, ‘A minor (ii)’, ‘B flat Major (bIII)’, ‘C Major (IV)’, ‘D Major (V)’]
3. “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis: [‘A Major (I)’, ‘E Major (V)’, ‘F# minor (vi)’, ‘G Major (bVII)’]
Note that the chord progressions listed are not identical to the one in “Lord Only Knows” but share some elements of chromaticism and the use of borrowed chords or feature unexpected harmonic shifts.
Musical Analysis
The chorus begins with a strong V-I cadence (F# Major to B Major), which establishes the tonality of the piece. This cadence reoccurs throughout the progression. The E Major chord (IV) functions as a subdominant chord, preparing the listener for the arrival of the G# Major (VI+) chord, which is borrowed from the B Harmonic minor scale, creating tension.
This tension is resolved with the return to the tonic B Major (I) chord. The progression then moves to G# Major again. The G Major (bVI) chord is a borrowed chord from B minor and adds some chromaticism and surprise factor to the progression. The progression ends with a V-I (F# Major to B Major) cadence, providing a sense of closure.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
Beck’s choice of chords and the way he employs borrowed chords and chromaticism reflects his penchant for alternative rock and indie music, infusing traditional rock/folk harmony with his unique and individualistic style. The harmonic choices make the progression memorable and instantly recognizable as a Beck composition.
What are the chords in: Beck – Lord Only Knows – Chorus?
F#, B, F#, B, E, G#, B, G#, G, F#, B
