Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Verse 3
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7’, ‘Em’, ‘Am9’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7’, ‘Em7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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E minor (i), A minor (iv), D Major (VII), D7 (VII7), G Major (III), F#m7b5 (ii half-diminished 7), B7sus4 (V7sus4), E minor (i),
E minor 7 (i7), A minor (iv), F#m7b5 (ii half-diminished 7), B7 (V7), E minor (i), A minor 9 (iv9), F#m7b5 (ii half-diminished 7), B7 (V7), E minor 7 (i7)
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The D Major (VII) is a borrowed chord from E Dorian mode while the G Major (III) is a borrowed from E major key or the relative major of E minor. F#m7b5 and B7 are part of the diatonic chords in the E minor key, acting as the ii half-diminished 7 and V7, respectively. The use of B7sus4 and then resolving it to B7 creates a suspenseful atmosphere, increasing the emotional impact of the progression.
Similar Chord Progressions
There are a few other songs that use similar sophisticated chord progressions, such as “Something” by The Beatles, which also heavily uses borrowed chords and unconventional progressions for a pop song. The opening chord progression for “Something” is:
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C Major (I), Cmaj7 (IM7), C7 (Idom7), F Major (IV), D7 (VII7), G (V), Am (vi), Am/G (vi7)
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The opening chord progression of “Hotel California” by The Eagles is an another excellent example of a song that uses a similar harmonic structure:
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B Minor (i), F#/A# (V/vi), G (bVI), G/F# (bVI/V), D (IV), D/F# (IVmaj7/V), E (V), E/F# (V/I)
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Each of these songs, like “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” uses borrowed chords and sophisticated harmonic structures to create a unique and emotional sound.
Musical Analysis
The verse begins with a typical minor progression, moving from the home key E minor (i) to A minor (iv), giving a melancholic mood to the verse. The descending bass line gives a rather more melancholic feel to the song. D Major (VII), a borrowed chord from the Dorian mode, means the progression lacks the strong back to tonic resolution. This makes the song sound more uncertain and complex. The substitution of F#m7b5 (ii half-diminished 7) for the usual ii diminished chord also adds an element of tension and dissonance.
Overall Analysis
“Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” by Elton John employs interesting chord progressions and borrows chords from other modes and keys, contributing to its melancholy, yet dynamically expressive mood. The song is set in E minor and uses basic chord progressions, some more sophisticated ones, and many borrowed chords.
Style Analysis
Elton John employs a sophisticated harmony in his songs, often using borrowed chords or changing keys for added dimension. This song is characteristic of his style, showcasing his willingness to explore more complex harmonic relationships and extend traditional pop song structures.
What are the chords in: Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word – Verse 3?
[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7sus4’, ‘Em’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7’, ‘Em’, ‘Am9’, ‘F#m7-5’, ‘B7’, ‘Em7’]
