Pink Floyd – Hey You – Verse 1
Hey You < All Analyses
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.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Hey You – Verse 1?
Emadd9, Bm, Emadd9, Bm, D, G, D, C, Bm, Am, Em, Dm
