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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, “The Wall.” It is known for its haunting, ethereal quality, achieved through the use of predominantly minor chords, lush harmonies, and a slow, atmospheric tempo. The song’s lyrics and melancholic mood reflect feelings of loss and desolation.

Beck – Say Goodbye – Chorus

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Chord Progression

G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I), A# Major (bIII), A Minor (ii), C Major (IV)

“`
Borrowed Chord: A# Major (bIII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘Cm’]
G Major (I), B Major (III), C Major (IV), C Minor (iv)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” [‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C#m’, ‘F#m’, ‘G’]
A Minor (i), G Major (VII), A Minor (i), G Major (VII), A Minor (i), C# Minor (iii), F# Minor (vi), G Major (VII)

While the chord progressions in these songs are not identical to that in “Say Goodbye,” they share some similarities in terms of creating tension and contrast through the use of borrowed or non-diatonic chords. In “Creep,” the Cm (iv) chord provides a similar effect as the borrowed A# Major chord in “Say Goodbye.” In “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” the non-diatonic C#m (iii) and F#m (vi) chords provide a similar sense of tension and resolution within the progression.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the I chord (G Major), establishing the tonal center of G. It then moves to the borrowed bIII chord (A# Major), which adds a touch of unexpected chromaticism and, in the context of G major, provides a sense of tension before resolving to the more diatonic ii chord (A Minor). The progression then moves to the IV chord (C Major), which creates a sense of resolution, though not as strongly as returning to the I chord would have. This cycle repeats four times, providing a sense of familiarity and continuity within the chorus. The contrast between the chromatic A# and the more familiar diatonic chords within the progression contributes to the song’s overall emotional impact and memorability.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Say Goodbye” by Beck features a simple, yet unique combination of major and minor chords. It is primarily built around the key of G major, but includes a chromatic twist with the inclusion of the A# major chord. The progression is fairly repetitive, which provides a stable and recognizable backbone for the chorus.

Style Analysis

This chord progression appears to have influences from a range of genres, including pop, rock, and folk. The mix of major and minor chords, as well as the inclusion of a borrowed chord, creates an interesting tension between brightness and darkness, a common feature in many of Beck’s songs. The use of chromaticism and borrowing chords from parallel keys can also be seen as an element of experimentation, which is often present in alternative and indie music.

Chords in the Chorus section of Say Goodbye by Beck are:

G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C, G, A#, Am, C