Pink Floyd – Goodbye Blue Sky – Chorus
Goodbye Blue Sky < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am, B/A, Am, B/A, Am, B
Chord Progression Analysis
Am (i), B/A (bII/A), Am (i), B/A (bII/A), Am (i), B (N)
Borrowed Chord:
`B/A (bII/A)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Progression: Am (i), B/Am7 (bII), Am (i), B/Am (bII), Am (i)
In Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film),” a similar progression is used, alternating between Am and the borrowed B/Am7 chords, which also provides a Phrygian-like feel.
2. The Beatles – “Julia”
Progression: C (I), Dm/C (ii/C), C (I), D/C (II/C), C (I)
The Beatles’ “Julia” follows a similar approach, using neighboring chords around the tonic (C), with a borrowed major chord on the supertonic (D/C). While in a major key, this progression also achieves a sense of unresolved tension.
These examples illustrate the use of borrowed chords and chromaticism in popular music, highlighting the potential for evocative emotion and tension through harmonic choice.
Musical Analysis
The chorus of “Goodbye Blue Sky” features a recurring chromatic movement achieved through the use of the borrowed chord B/A, which is a major chord built on the flat second degree of the A minor scale. The B/A chord creates tension through its dissonant relationship with the surrounding A minor chords. The progression starts and ends on the tonic Am chord, creating a sense of melancholic restlessness.
The alternating B/A in this progression creates a Phrygian quality, as the b2 (B) is a characteristic note of the Phrygian mode. The non-diatonic neighboring major chord (B) at the end of the progression provides an unexpected shift in harmony creating additional tension, which is eventually resolved when the song returns to the verse.
Overall Analysis
“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, “The Wall.” It is known for its haunting, ethereal quality, achieved through the use of predominantly minor chords, lush harmonies, and a slow, atmospheric tempo. The song’s lyrics and melancholic mood reflect feelings of loss and desolation.
Style Analysis
The chord progression of “Goodbye Blue Sky” showcases Pink Floyd’s penchant for incorporating modal and chromatic elements within their music. Borrowed chords and non-diatonic harmonic choices are commonplace in their work, contributing to the unique, emotive sound that has defined the band. This particular progression, with its somber tone and slow tempo, is reflective of the overall concept of “The Wall” album, which delves deep into themes of isolation and emotional turmoil.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Goodbye Blue Sky – Chorus?
Am, B/A, Am, B/A, Am, B
