MGMT – When You Die – Verse 2
When You Die < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, Em, F#m, Bm, G, F#m, Bm, E, A
Chord Progression Analysis
G Major (I)
E Minor (vi)
F# Minor (ii♭)
B Minor (v)
G Major (I)
F# Minor (ii♭)
B Minor (v)
E Major (IV/vi)
A Major (VII)
“`F# Minor (ii♭) and A Major (VII) are borrowed chords from G Major’s parallel minor (G minor).“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”
D Major (I)
C# Minor (vii’♭)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V/V)
G Major (IV)
2. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
G# Minor (i)
A Major (♭II)
E Major (V/v)
C# Minor (iv)
These examples share MGMT’s use of borrowed chords, secondary dominants, and unconventional harmonies, creating a similar air of intrigue and unpredictability. Note that both examples include the major VII chord like MGMT’s progression, further connecting them stylistically.
Musical Analysis
The verse starts in the key of G Major, with a standard I-vi progression. However, it quickly deviates from typical pop progressions by introducing the borrowed F# Minor chord, which adds dissonance and tension. The progression then moves to B Minor, the v chord in G Major, which further contributes to the emotional and moody quality of the verse.
The progression returns to G Major, but then reintroduces the borrowed F# Minor chord. This back-and-forth pattern adds interest and unpredictability to the music. The progression continues with another B Minor chord before moving to E Major. This E Major chord is the secondary dominant of the relative minor (vi), adding even more tension.
Finally, the progression resolves with an unexpected A Major chord, the borrowed VII from G minor. This resolution leaves listeners with a sense of satisfaction while maintaining a hint of unresolved tension, due to the A Major chord not being diatonic to G Major.
Overall Analysis
“When You Die” by MGMT features a fairly unconventional chord progression that mixes elements of rock, pop, and classic psychedelia. The progression creates tension and intrigue through the use of extended harmonies, chromaticism, and borrowed chords. The distinctiveness of this progression contributes to the song’s unique sound.
Style Analysis
The style of this chord progression can be described as a fusion of rock, pop, and psychedelic music. Its use of borrowed chords, secondary dominants, and unconventional resolution contributes to a moody and intriguing atmosphere. This is reminiscent of the psychedelic rock of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which often incorporated unusual and unexpected harmonies.
What are the chords in: MGMT – When You Die – Verse 2?
G, Em, F#m, Bm, G, F#m, Bm, E, A
