Keane – Somewhere Only We Know – Verse 2
Somewhere Only We Know < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Dm’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Dm’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression provided falls under the key of C Major and can be analyzed as follows:
C Major (I), C Major with B Bass (I with VII bass or I64), D Minor (ii), Gsus4 (Vsus4), G Major (V), and it repeats.
In other words:
“`C Major (I) -> C Major/B (I64) -> D Minor (ii) -> Gsus4 (Vsus4) -> G Major (V)“`
Each of these chords are diatonic to the key of C Major and there are no borrowed chords present.
Similar Chord Progressions
The chord progression of “Somewhere Only We Know” is quite common in pop music. For example, the verse of “Someone Like You” by Adele shares a similar progression:
“`A Major (I) -> A Major/G# (I64) -> B Minor (ii) -> E Major (IV) -> E Major (IV)“`
Another example is “Hey Jude” by The Beatles:
“`F Major (I) -> F Major/E (I64) -> G Minor (ii) -> C Major (V) -> C Major (IV)“`
These songs also feature the step-wise descending bass line and typical I to ii progression. The difference lies in the resolution; “Somewhere Only We Know” uses a Vsus4 to V resolution, whereas these examples don’t incorporate suspended chords.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression gives the song its signature feeling of movement and build-up, characteristic for pop ballads. The transition to the C/B introduces a step-wise descent in the bass line adding depth to the progression and the move to the Dm (a typical ii chord) further elaborates on the harmonic complexity. The delayed resolution created by the Gsus4 to the G major gives the song its emotional impact, as the listeners await the resolve of the suspension.
Overall Analysis
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane is a pop/rock song written in the key of A Major, although the chord progression given seems to be transposed to the key of C Major. It is characterized by its use of repeated motifs and sequenced chord progressions to create a sense of familiarity and typical of the pop genre.
Style Analysis
The progression is typical of pop style, with the repetitive chord progression creating a predictable and approachable palette for listeners. The balance between major and minor chords, along with the suspension to resolution pattern, keeps the song intriguing while maintaining a sense of melodic familiarity.
What are the chords in: Keane – Somewhere Only We Know – Verse 2?
[‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Dm’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘C/B’, ‘Dm’, ‘Gsus4’, ‘G’]
