Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 2
Lord Only Knows < All Analyses
Chord Progression
B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B
Chord Progression Analysis
The given chord progression for Verse 2 is:
B Major (I), G# Major (V/iii), E Major (IV), B Major (I)
B Major (I), G# Major (V/iii), E Major (IV), B Major (I)
B Major (I), G# Major (V/iii), E Major (IV), B Major (I)
B Major (I), G# Major (V/iii), E Major (IV), B Major (I)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C Major (I), G Major (V), A minor (vi), F Major (IV)
C Major (I), G Major (V), F Major (IV), C Major (I)
2. “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis:
C Major (I), G Major (V), A minor (vi), E Major (V/iii)
F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V)
3. “No Surprises” by Radiohead:
F Major (I), A Major (V/iii), B♭ Major (IV), F Major (I)
F Major (I), C Major (V), B♭ Major (IV), F Major (I)
These examples share similarities in the usage of borrowed or secondary dominant chords within their progressions, which helps elevate their harmonic interest and memorability.
Musical Analysis
In this chord progression, we see that the root movement unfolds in steady fourths and fifths, which contributes to a strong sense of resolution. The G# Major chord functions as a secondary dominant to E Major (V/iii), which in turn is the IV chord in the key of B Major. It creates some borrowed chord action:
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G# Major (V/iii from B Lydian)
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This borrowing adds variety, unexpectedness, and tension that resolves through the E Major chord. Beck effectively makes use of both borrowed chords and the secondary dominant to create a progression that maintains listener interest.
Overall Analysis
“Lord Only Knows” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective chord progression in its Verse 2. The harmonic foundation of this progression is based on the I – V – IV – I pattern, repeated four times. This pattern is common in many popular music genres, with the verse featuring a strong tonic-dominant relationship. The progression also displays an interesting mix of major and minor chords, adding a certain level of spice to the harmonic atmosphere present in the verse.
Style Analysis
The style of this progression is representative of Beck’s innovative approach to songwriting, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and folk music in a unique manner. The I – V/iii – IV – I pattern found in “Lord Only Knows” presents a mood of introspection and reflection, which is characteristic of many of his songs.
What are the chords in: Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 2?
B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B
