David Bowie – Space Oddity – Chorus
Space Oddity < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Fmaj7’, ‘Em’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘Em’, ‘Bb’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the roman numeral analysis of the chorus:
“`
-Fmaj7 (IVmaj7)
-Em (iii)
-Fmaj7 (IVmaj7)
-Em (iii)
-Bb (bVII)
-Am (vi)
-G (V)
-F (IV)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
The Beatles’ “Let It Be” also includes usage of the IVmaj7 chord, but it resolves to the tonic instead of using a modal interplay like in “Space Oddity”. The progression in “Let It Be” goes as follows:
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
Fmaj7 (IVmaj7)
C (I)
G (V)
F (IV)
C (I)
“`
The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” features a similar borrowed bVII chord (Bb in key of C), used in its chorus:
“`
C (I)
F (IV)
Bb (bVII)
C (I)
“`
Though these progressions have elements similar to “Space Oddity,” the uniqueness of Bowie’s craftsmanship and his combination of different techniques make his progression stand out.
Musical Analysis
This chord progression has numerous key features that highlight Bowie’s innovative songwriting. Firstly, the Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) to Em (iii) creates an interesting modal mixture that is further distinguished by his use of a major seventh chord. Secondly, the Bb (bVII) is a borrowed chord from C Mixolydian, a parallel mode which is often used to create tension or a ‘bluesy’ feel. This chord is then followed by a common vi-V-IV progression that helps to resolve the tension established earlier on.
Overall Analysis
The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.
Style Analysis
“Space Oddity” contains stylistic elements characteristic of the contemporary folk and early art/progressive rock genres. The use of seventh chords, borrowed chords, and modal interchange are hallmarks of these genres and indicative of a departure from the simpler triadic harmonies of traditional pop music. The thoughtfully arranged chord progression helps to evoke the song’s themes of loneliness and introspection.
What are the chords in: David Bowie – Space Oddity – Chorus?
[‘Fmaj7’, ‘Em’, ‘Fmaj7’, ‘Em’, ‘Bb’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘F’]
