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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 chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

The song “Yellow” by Coldplay uses a fairly standard pop/rock chord progression in the key of G major. It comprises three chords for the main progression: G Major (I), D Major (V), and Cmaj7 (IV7).

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of “House of The Rising Sun” by The Animals is an iconic progression in popular music. The song is in the key of A minor, and is built using diatonic and borrowed chords with some chromaticism. The progression features a strong sense of movement and resolution, with the mix of major and minor chords creating an emotional and dramatic atmosphere.

Beck – Lord Only Knows – Verse 2

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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:

“`
G# Major (V/iii from B Lydian)
“`

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.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Lord Only Knows by Beck are:

B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B, B, G#, E, B