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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

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.

The Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon” incorporates a repeating sequence of predominantly seventh chords, displaying a mix of minor, dominant, and sustained chords within the and C Major/A minor keys. This diversity contributes to the song’s unique harmony, and given its context in a folk rock style, the progression exudes a rustic, storytelling personality.

The song constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression shows an alternation in the use of Major and Minor chords, creating dynamic tension and contrasting feelings of positive/negative, tension/release. The unique progression, D – Em – G – Bm – A – G, sets up an interesting and unusual harmonic rhythm. There’s a reliance on IV and V Major chords and the ‘home’ chord is only resolved to periodically, which aids the song’s emotional intensity.

Similar Chord Progressions

“`plaintext
Em7 (ii7)
G (IV)
Dsus4 (Isus4)
A7sus4 (V7sus4)
“`

Musical Analysis

“Iris” has a distinct alternative rock style. There’s a sense of heart-on-sleeve emotional truth along with an edgy sound. This comes partially from the unique chord progressions used in the song. Additionally, there is a generous use of open chords throughout.

Overall Analysis

“`plaintext
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)
“`

Style Analysis

One song to compare “Iris” with might be “Wonderwall” by Oasis. “Wonderwall” has its distinct flavor, yet shares some similarities in the chord structure with “Iris”.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

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