Elton John – Tiny Dancer – Verse
Tiny Dancer < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am7’, ‘D’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
In this key, the chords can be analyzed as follows:
“`
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
G (V)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
G (V)
F (IV)
Em7 (iii7)
Am7 (vi7)
D (V/vi)
Dm (ii)
Em7 (iii7)
Am (vi)
G7 (V7)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
F/A (IV6)
C (I)
G (V)
“`
In this progression, the borrowed chords are:
“`
Am7 : vi7
— (common substitution for Major IV)
D : V/vi
— (secondary dominant)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” also features a similar progression with the tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords in the key of C Major. It, too, borrows a chord from the parallel minor key.
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
F/C (IV6)
C/G (I6)
F/C (IV6)
C/E (I6)
G (V)
C (I)
“`
2. The Beatles’ “Let It Be” shares a similar prime (I), relative minor (vi), and dominant (V) progression in the key of C Major.
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
F (IV)
C (I)
G (V)
F (IV)
C (I)
“`
In conclusion, “Tiny Dancer” represents an intricate exercise in advanced harmony while maintaining strong melodic content and structure, which is characteristic of Elton John’s songwriting style.
Musical Analysis
The song begins with reliance on the I and IV chords, creating a strong sense of home key. The alternating I – IV6 chords provide a solid, grounded opening. From there, the progression moves through primary diatonic harmony, with the V chord (G) establishing a sense of anchor and tension.
The Em7 and Am7 chords contribute to the mood shift, with a minor 7th bringing a somber, reflective feel. The D chord is a secondary dominant, which temporarily diverts us to the related minor key (Am), further deepening the sense of longing. The Dm, Em7, and Am chords propagate an ascending stepwise motion creating a tension that resolves into the dominant seventh (G7), and finally ends in the tonic (C).
Overall Analysis
“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, written in the key of C Major, is a classic example of elaborate pop song writing. The chord progression features common primary and secondary chords in the key of C Major, along with some borrowed chords to add color. This combination makes for a memorable and melodic song.
The most unique feature of the song is how it slowly changes to the key of C minor in the second half of the verse, making use of two borrowed chords. This is a powerful tool in songwriting, as it can dramatically affect the emotional tone of the song. Lastly, this song demonstrates Elton John’s use of Coloristic harmony, through chromatically altered chords.
Style Analysis
Elton John’s style is marked by complex harmonic structures, often using chromaticism, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords. “Tiny Dancer” exemplifies this with its use of modal interchange in the second half of the verse and the secondary dominant.
What are the chords in: Elton John – Tiny Dancer – Verse?
[‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘G’, ‘F’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am7’, ‘D’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em7’, ‘Am’, ‘G7’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘F/A’, ‘C’, ‘G’]
