Pink Floyd – Breathe – Verse 2
Breathe < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7
Chord Progression Analysis
Em (i) – A7 (IV7)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Doors – “Riders on the Storm”
Chord progression: Em9 (i9) – A7 (IV7)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord progression: Am (i) – G (bVII) – Am (i) – G (bVII)
3. Led Zeppelin – “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”
Chord progression: Am (i) – C (III) – G (bVII) – Am (i) – C (III)
These examples follow a similar alternation between a minor chord (usually the tonic) and another chord, either borrowed from the parallel major (as in “Riders on the Storm”) or invoking a sense of tension and resolution (as in “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You”).
Musical Analysis
The chord progression consists of two chords: Em, which is the tonic or home chord, and A7, which is the dominant seventh chord built on the fourth scale degree in the key of E minor. The A7 chord is borrowed from the parallel major key (E major), which is why it is considered a borrowed chord in the progression. The alternation between these two chords creates a sense of movement throughout the entire verse. The dominant seventh chord (A7) brings tension and instability in the progression, making the listener eager to hear the resolution to the tonic chord (Em).
Overall Analysis
The given chord progression is from the verse of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” a song from their 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The progression consists of alternating Em and A7 chords throughout the entire verse. This creates a sense of movement and tension between the chords while also being relatively simple and repetitive. The harmonic back-and-forth between these two chords gives the song a dreamy and immersive quality that is a signature sound of Pink Floyd’s style.
Style Analysis
Pink Floyd’s music often delves into the realms of space rock, progressive rock, and psychedelic rock. The alternating Em and A7 chords in the “Breathe” verse serve as a perfect example of Pink Floyd’s ability to create an ethereal, otherworldly, and hypnotic atmosphere within their music. The simplicity and repetitiveness of the chord progression, combined with Pink Floyd’s trademark use of effects and atmospheric sounds, give “Breathe” its unique sonic character.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Breathe – Verse 2?
Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7, Em, A7