Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Verse 1
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Gm’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘A7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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Em (ii), A7 (V7/V), D (I), G (IV), C (bVII/IV), A7 (V7/V), D (I), Em (ii), A7 (V7/V), D (I), G (IV), C (bVII/IV), A7 (V7/V), D (I), Gm (iv), C (bVII/IV), F (bIII), Bb (bVI), Gm (iv), A7 (V7/V)
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In the provided progression, John frequently uses the secondary dominant, an A7 chord, which is used here as a V7 of the V (fifth of the fifth) chord, to create a pull towards the D major chord. The use of the bVII (C major), a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key of D minor, adds unexpected color and tension to the progression.
Similar Chord Progressions
Similar chord progressions can be found in pop music where the aim is to create a compelling melody with a mix of both standard and non-diatonic chords. “Let It Be” by The Beatles, for example, shares a similar use of the IV, I, and V7 structure, along with variation through non-diatonic chord choices. Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman” also features a consistent modulation between major and relative minor keys, contributing to a similarly nostalgic feel.
Musical Analysis
A distinctive part of John’s style is his use of non-diatonic and chromatic chords to create depth and compose compelling melodies. Notably, the modulation to the relative minor key (B minor) and use of the borrowed bIii (F major) and bVI (Bb major) chords from the parallel minor key give this song a moody and nostalgic feel.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
Elton John’s music often features charismatic melody lines with unique tonal qualities, largely as a result of his diverse chord choices. This song in particular embodies his penchant for drawing on a mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords to create rich, emotive soundscapes. Stylistically, the way he uses harmony to underscore the emotional tone of the lyrics is a standout feature of his work.
What are the chords in: Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Verse 1?
[‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Gm’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘Gm’, ‘A7’]
