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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song written by Elton John that features a complex chord progression that effectively complements the haunting and nostalgic quality of the song’s lyrics. The primary key of the song is D major, while parts of the progression borrow from both the parallel minor (D minor) and the relative minor (B minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds harmonic interest and enhances the song’s evocative, wistful mood.

“I’m Still Standing” is a pop rock song by Elton John, from his 1983 album “Too Low For Zero”. The song is up-tempo, featuring energetic keyboard playing from Elton John, and has become one of his most enduring hits. The song is in the key of E Major.

Here’s the chord progression analysis of the coda and the full chord names with their roman numerals:

The chorus from Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” in the key of C major beautifully demonstrates a diverse range of chords and harmonic techniques. The chord progression incorporates diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and some unexpected harmonic twists, all of which work together to create a sense of emotional depth and tension throughout the chorus.

“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.

“Sour Times” by Portishead is characterized by dark, brooding sounds and melancholic melodies that gives the song its distinct feel, largely due to the specific chord progression that is used throughout the song. Written in the key of E major, the song makes use of a diverse selection of chords that offers a wider blend of harmonic options to navigate through different moods and tonal landscapes.

Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Chorus

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Chord Progression

D, F#7, G, D, B7, Em, A, D, A, Bm, F#, G, Bb, C, D, A, Bm, Bm7, G, A, Gm, C, F, Bb, Gm, A, D

Chord Progression Analysis

Here we will provide a musical analysis of the chord progression in the chorus:

D Major (I)
F# Dominant Seventh (III7)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
B Dominant Seventh (VI7)
E Minor (ii)
A Major (V)
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
B Minor (vi)
F# Major (III)
G Major (IV)
B flat Major (borrowed chord bVI)
C Major (borrowed chord bVII)
D Major (I)
A Major (V)
B Minor (vi)
B Minor Seventh (vi7)
G Major (IV)
A Major (V)
G Minor (borrowed chord iv)
C Major (borrowed chord bVII)
F Major (borrowed chord bIII)
B flat Major (borrowed chord bVI)
G Minor (borrowed chord iv)
A Major (V)
D Major (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

Many songs share similar chord progressions to “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” for example, “Let It Be” by The Beatles. The chord progression in its chorus is as follows:

C Major (I)
G Major (V)
A Minor (vi)
F Major (IV)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
F Major (IV)
C Major (I)

While simpler than John’s song, “Let It Be” similarly employs diatonic and borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in its progression, evoke emotion, and drive the song’s narrative arc.

Musical Analysis

The use of dominant seventh and borrowed chords creates tension and resolution within the progression and drives the emotional trajectory of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is characterized by a lush, cinematic melody that encapsulates John’s knack for crafting pop ballad choruses. Its base key is D Major, showcasing a mix of diatonic, dominant seventh, and borrowed chords. Its diverse chord progression is reflective of Elton John’s diverse influences, which include pop, rock, blues, and classical music.

Style Analysis

Elton John’s style is distinct for its blend of pop, rock, and classical influences. In “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” these influences manifest in the song’s complex chord progression and lush, emotive melody. The use of borrowed chords is also a hallmark of blues and jazz, evidencing these genres’ influence on John’s style.

Chords in the Chorus section of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John are:

D, F#7, G, D, B7, Em, A, D, A, Bm, F#, G, Bb, C, D, A, Bm, Bm7, G, A, Gm, C, F, Bb, Gm, A, D