Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man – Pre-chorus
When I Was Your Man < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em/B’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘Bb’, ‘C/G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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The detailed analysis of the chord progression for the pre-chorus is as follows:
1. E minor/B (‘vi6/4’): Em/B chord is the first inversion of the E minor chord (vi chord in the key of C major).
2. A minor (‘vi’): Am is a diatonic chord in the key of C major and serves as a substitute for the tonic (I).
3. E minor (‘iii’): Em is another diatonic chord in the key of C major.
4. B flat Major (‘bVII’): Bb is a borrowed chord in the key of C major, borrowed from the parallel minor (C minor).
5. C Major/G (‘I6/4’): C/G is the second inversion of the C Major chord (I chord in the key of C major).
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Similar Chord Progressions
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The progression has similarities to songs like “Imagine” by John Lennon: C (‘I’) ,Cmaj7 (‘I7’), F (‘IV’), Dm/F (‘vi6/4’), F (‘IV’), G11 (‘V11’), G7 (‘V7’) or “Let It Be” by The Beatles: C (‘I’), G (‘V’), Am (‘vi’), F (‘IV’). The ‘I – IV – vi – V’ progression is a very commonly used progression in pop music. The presence of modal interchange (the flat VII or bVII) in Mars’ song can be noticed in songs like “Creep” by Radiohead: G (‘I’), B (‘III’), C (‘IV’), Cm (‘iv’), which again shows the eclectic range of Mars’ influences.
Musical Analysis
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The pre-chorus starts with an E minor/B chord, which creates a sense of tension that resolves when it moves to A minor. The progression moves back into E minor, adding a sense of unpredictability. The B flat Major chord adds interest and surprise to the progression as it is borrowed from the parallel minor, creating a modal mixture that is often seen in pop music. The pre-chorus ends with a C Major/G chord that acts as a suspension leading into the chorus.
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Overall Analysis
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“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars is in the key of C major. The song relies heavily on diatonic chords and uses a structure that is common in popular music, especially ballads. It follows conventional diatonic chord progressions and also incorporates non-diatonic chords for added tension and resolution.
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Style Analysis
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“When I Was Your Man” has a soulful, pop piano ballad vibe. The non-diatonic B flat major chord gives it a bluesy feel and provides a moment of surprise and tension. This chord is an example of modal interchange, betraying Mars’ Motown influences. The E minor chord helps set up an emotional, introspective mood, while the first inversion and second inversion chords (Em/B and C/G) offer richness and depth.
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What are the chords in: Bruno Mars – When I Was Your Man – Pre-chorus?
[‘Em/B’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘Bb’, ‘C/G’]
