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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the bridge of “Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a relatively simple progression that revolves around the C Major and G Major chords, with brief appearances of D Major and E minor add9 chords. The piece showcases Pink Floyd’s signature progressive rock style, with steady changes between chords and a sense of tension and release.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that features an uncommon chord progression with some unique harmonic choices. The Verse 2 progression has a strong sense of tonal ambiguity and the chords often fluctuate between major and minor tonalities. This contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the song, which is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

“Across The Universe” by The Beatles, written mostly by John Lennon, is known for its rich and complex harmonic structures that added new dimensions to pop music. The song is predominately in the key of D major, with occasional borrowings from the parallel minor (D minor) and the closely-related key of B minor. The verse 1 progression – D, Bm, F#m, Em7, A, A7, D, Bm, F#m, Em7, Gm – creates an affectingly melancholic mood through its mix of major, minor and borrowed chords, producing a unique ambience that evokes a sense of cosmic contemplation, matching with the philosophical lyrics of the song.

“Roads” by Portishead is set in the key of Am, also known as A minor. In the verse, there is an interesting use of the flat major 7 (Fmaj7) chord. This chord is not typically found within the natural minor key but is considered a borrowed chord from the A major key. Thus, this use of said borrowed chord and its resolution to the E7 dominants gives the song a unique feel, contributing to its mesmerizing and emotive ambience. Portishead tends to blend the use of A minor and A Dorian modality in their music, especially apparent in this composition.

Pink Floyd – Hey You – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Emadd9, Bm, Emadd9, Bm, D, G, D, C, Bm, Am, Em, Dm

Chord Progression Analysis

The full chord names and their Roman numerals are as follows:
`Emadd9 (i) – Bm (v) – Emadd9 (i) – Bm (v) – D (VII) – G (III) – D (VII) – C (VI) – Bm (v) – Am (iv) – Em (i) – Dm (iio)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android”: `Am (i) – E (V) – C (III) – G (VII)`
2. Yes’s “And You and I”: `Dmaj7 (I) – C#m7 (viiø7) – F#m7 (iii) – Gmaj7 (IV)`
3. King Crimson’s “Epitaph”: `E (I) – D (bVII) – A (IV) – C (bVI)`

While these chord progressions may differ in their specific sequences and chromatic choices, they all showcase the use of borrowed chords, modal interchange, and harmonic tension to create the signature sound found in progressive rock like in Pink Floyd’s “Hey You.”

Musical Analysis

The verse progression in “Hey You” begins with the tonic chord, Emadd9, followed by the dominant minor, Bm. This sets a somber, dark mood for the song and represents a typical i-v alternation commonly found in minor keys. The chords D and G function as borrowed chords, which are chords taken from the parallel major key to provide contrast and color. The progression moves from the VII major chord (D) to the relative major chord (C) before returning to the v chord (Bm). The cycle then concludes with an interesting resolution from Am (iv, borrowed from its parallel key) to Dm (iio), which transitions back into the Emadd9 that starts the progression anew.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The chord progression in “Hey You” showcases the band’s penchant for generating emotive, tension-filled progressions. The use of borrowed chords adds a layer of tonal ambiguity, a hallmark of progressive rock that Pink Floyd helped pioneer. These musical elements, combined with the song’s introspective lyrics and complex, layered arrangements, contribute to the overall prog-rock sound and aesthetic.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Hey You by Pink Floyd are:

Emadd9, Bm, Emadd9, Bm, D, G, D, C, Bm, Am, Em, Dm