Pink Floyd – Hey You – Verse 3
Hey You < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Emadd9, Bm, Emadd9, Bm, D, G, D, C, Bm, Am, Emadd9
Chord Progression Analysis
– Emadd9 (iadd9)
– Bm (v)
– Emadd9 (iadd9)
– Bm (v)
– D (VII)
– G (III)
– D (VII)
– C (VI)
– Bm (v)
– Am (`iv`)
– Emadd9 (iadd9)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin: Am (i), G (VII), F (`VI`), Am (i), C (III), D (IV), Fmaj7 (`VI^7`), Am (i)
2. “Blackbird” by The Beatles: G (III), Em (i), C (VI), G/B (III`64`), A (`VII`), D (VII), G+ (chromatic passing chord), `A^(-7)↘`, Em7 (i7)
In these examples, both songs feature chord progressions that blend diatonic chords and borrowed chords, creating a sense of depth and evoking emotions that are a hallmark of great songwriting. Additionally, the use of extensions, such as add9 and maj7 chords, contributes to the overall mood and complexity of the music, as seen in “Hey You” by Pink Floyd.
Musical Analysis
The verse starts with an Emadd9 chord as the tonic, giving a sense of minor tonality while adding color with the added 9th. This immediately sets a moody atmosphere. The progression moves to a Bm chord, which is the v chord in E minor. The alternation between Emadd9 and Bm creates a sense of yearning and tension.
The next chord is D major (VII), which is a borrowed chord from E Mixolydian and has a strong pull to the G major (III) chord that follows. This adds some brightness to the progression. Following G major is a return to the D major (VII) chord and a transition to the C major (VI) chord, which gives a sense of a plagal cadence, often found in pop and rock music.
After that, the progression moves to Bm (v) and Am (`iv`), which is a borrowed chord from the E Phrygian scale. This adds some darkness and intrigue to the progression, enhancing the overall moodiness. Finally, the progression resolves back to the Emadd9 (iadd9) chord, giving a sense of closure while still maintaining a lingering tension due to the added 9th.
Overall Analysis
“Hey You” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from the concept album “The Wall.” The song is characterized by its atmospheric sound created through a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, haunting vocals, and a variety of effects. The chord progression of Verse 3 is interesting as it features a mix of diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and extensions such as the add9 chords that contribute to the song’s unique sound.
Style Analysis
“Hey You” exemplifies Pink Floyd’s unique approach to progressive rock, which often involves blending minor tonalities with added note chords to create an emotive atmosphere. The use of borrowed chords, such as the D major and Am chords, adds interest and emphasizes the unconventional nature of the music, which is a defining feature of progressive rock.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Hey You – Verse 3?
Emadd9, Bm, Emadd9, Bm, D, G, D, C, Bm, Am, Emadd9
