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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The chord progression in “Breathe” by Pink Floyd is relatively simple, mostly alternating between two chords – Em and A7. However, this simplicity is quite effective in creating a relaxed, dreamy feel which is consistent with the overall theme of the song. This is a characteristic feature of Pink Floyd’s music, using simple chords and progressions to create a powerful emotional impact.

“Bohemian Rhapsody”, composed by Queen, is a powerful anthem that merges elements of rock, opera, and progressive music. The chord progression demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of voice leading and functional harmony, contributing to its distinctive sound. Famous for its key changes and thematic progressions, the composition is often cited as an example of Freddie Mercury’s musical genius.

The chord progression in the verse of Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is primarily based on a simple alternation between two chords, Bbmaj7 and Am7, with a brief excursion to Gm7 before returning to Am7. The simplicity and repetition of the progression creates a feeling of comfort and stability, while the use of major 7th and minor 7th chords adds a touch of sophistication and smoothness. The progression doesn’t follow a traditional functional harmony, but it effectively supports the melody and the overall vibe of the song.

“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a prog-rock song featured on their iconic album, “The Wall.” Its chord progression showcases a unique blend of chords that creates a sense of yearning and emotional intensity. The use of borrowed chords from parallel keys enhances the song’s emotive quality, and the overall structure shows a level of harmonic sophistication typical of Pink Floyd’s work.

Pink Floyd – Goodbye Blue Sky – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am, B/A, Am, A7, D, A, D, Bm, D, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

A minor (i) – B major/A (VI/iv) – A minor (i) – A dominant 7th (V7) – D major (IV) – A major (I) – D major (IV) – B minor (ii) – D major (IV) – B minor (ii)

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VI/iv = borrowed chord from the parallel minor of the relative major (A major)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles:
A minor (i) – A major (I) – G major (VII) – E minor (v) – D major (IV) – A major (I) – C# minor (iii) – F# minor (vi)

2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (intro section):
A minor (i) – G sharp diminished 7th (vii°7) – C major (III) – D major (IV) – F major (VI) – A minor (i) – G major (VII) – A minor (i)

While these progressions by The Beatles and Led Zeppelin are not exact matches to “Goodbye Blue Sky,” they share similar harmonic devices and modulations that create a similar sense of movement and emotion.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts with A minor, establishing the key as A minor. The second chord, B major/A, is a borrowed chord (VI/iv) from the parallel minor of the relative major (A major) that creates tension. The progression then returns to A minor before moving to A dominant 7th, functioning as a secondary dominant chord leading to D major, which is a common modulation from A minor to D major (IV).

The progression then moves to A major (I) before repeating D major (IV) and then going to B minor (ii), a diatonic chord in the key of A major. This suggests a shift to the relative major key of A major. Finally, the progression alternates between D major (IV) and B minor (ii) before continuing with the rest of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd is a beautifully haunting piece with a chord progression that demonstrates their innovative use of borrowed chords and modulation to explore various tonal centers. The song is generally in the key of A minor.

Style Analysis

The chord progression used in “Goodbye Blue Sky” is an example of Pink Floyd’s innovative style when it comes to harmony and modulation. The borrowed chord and the modulation from A minor to D major and then to the relative major key (A major) makes the progression more complex and brings emotional depth to the song. This helps to create the overall haunting atmosphere of the piece.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd are:

Am, B/A, Am, A7, D, A, D, Bm, D, Bm