Coldplay – Yellow – Bridge
Yellow < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
G (I)
D (V)
Cmaj7 (IVmaj7)
G (I)
D (V)
Cmaj7 (IVmaj7)
“`
We can see the common I – V – IV progression at work here, a popular progression in pop and rock music. The song uses the major seventh form of the IV (Cmaj7) that adds a slight tonal color.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles:
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
Fmaj7 (IVmaj7)
“`
2. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley:
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
Fmaj7 (IVmaj7)
“`
These songs also use a variant of the I – V – vi – IV progression, with “Let it Be” also opting the major seventh form of the IV (like Cmaj7 in “Yellow”). It highlights the widespread use of these progressions in music across decades and genres.
Musical Analysis
The bridge in “Yellow” is characterized by a shift in dynamics and instrumentation, a technique commonly used by Coldplay for creating contrasting sections in their songs. The major 7th chord (Cmaj7) has a dreamy and lush sound, which brings a tender and emotional feeling, providing a perfect transition for their characteristic anthemic choruses.
Overall Analysis
“Yellow” by Coldplay is written in the key of G major. The song maintains a consistent use of diatonic chords from its own major key, with a predominant chord progression in the bridge and other sections being G – D – Cmaj7. Briefly, the song changes to a minor key using the Dm7 chord as a poignant moment in its structure.
Style Analysis
The use of maj7 chords is more typical of jazz, yet Coldplay uses them frequently in their genre of atmospheric rock music. This mix of pop rock with hints of jazz elements can be seen in other Coldplay songs too. Moreover, the progression perfectly supports the vocally sincere and elemental lyrics and melody that Martin (lead singer) is known for.
What are the chords in: Coldplay – Yellow – Bridge?
[‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cmaj7’]
