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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is a pop rock song released in 1967. Musically, the track displays characteristics of the “Baroque pop” style combine with psychedelic pop. The composition is multifaceted with complex chord progressions inspired by classical music, as well as elements of the British music hall style, specifically brass band influences throughout.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.

“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.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

For Verse 1: [‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Here is the

Similar Chord Progressions

“Iris” is an example of the band’s mixture of intimate, heart-on-the-sleeve lyricism with catchy, anthemic pop/rock. These chords are often used in rock, pop, and folk to create a deep emotional resonance. The repetition of the progression throughout the song could symbolize the ongoing struggle of the song’s protagonist in expressing his or her feelings.

Musical Analysis

“`
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Overall Analysis

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

Style Analysis

This chord progression firmly establishes the key of D major (I). The progression moves from the tonic D Major to the predominant (the chords that set up/lead to the dominant, V) E minor (ii) and G Major (IV) chords. Right after that, the chord progression jumps to B minor (vi), which is relative to D Major. Then it falls to the dominant A Major (V), and returns to the subdominant G major (IV). This journey from tonic through relative minor and back adds an undertone of complexity to the progression’s otherwise straight-forward major sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]