Pink Floyd – Breathe – Chorus 2
Breathe < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Em
Chord Progression Analysis
Cmaj7 (I), Bm7 (bVII), Fmaj7 (IV), G (V), D7#9 (V/vi), D7b9 (V/vi), Em (vi)
Borrowed Chords:
Bm7 (bVII)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Steely Dan – Deacon Blues:
Am7 (i), Bbmaj7 (bII), Gm7 (vii), C7 (III), Fmaj7 (VI), Dm7 (iv), E7b9 (V/II), A7b9 (V/i)
2. Radiohead – Paranoid Android:
Gmaj7 (I), F#m7 (vii), Cmaj7 (IV), Bm7 (iii), Em7 (vi), F#7#9 (V/vii), F#7b9 (V/vii), Gmaj7 (I)
Musical Analysis
The chorus begins with a Cmaj7 chord (I) which establishes the tonality. The progression then moves to Bm7 (bVII), which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor). This serves to add an unexpected twist to the progression and enhances the dreamy atmosphere. Next, the Fmaj7 (IV) chord creates a sense of returning to stability but quickly moves to G (V), temporarily increasing tension. The following chords, D7#9 and D7b9, are both secondary dominant chords of the vi (Em), featuring different alterations of the 9th. This adds harmonic interest and unpredictability leading to the resolution to Em (vi), which brings the progression to its conclusion.
Overall Analysis
The chorus of the Pink Floyd song “Breathe” features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords and creates a dreamy, spaced-out mood. The combination of major and minor seventh chords, as well as dominant 7th chords with altered 9ths, contributes to this atmospheric quality.
Style Analysis
The use of the major 7ths, minor 7ths, and altered dominant 7ths in this progression is characteristic of the psychedelic rock and progressive rock styles popular in the 1970s. Pink Floyd was known for pushing the boundaries of traditional songwriting, often experimenting with chords, textures, and sounds while maintaining a strong sense of melody.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Breathe – Chorus 2?
Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Em
