Pink Floyd – Time – Chorus
Time < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, C#m7, Bm7, E
Chord Progression Analysis
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D Major 7 (I)
A Major 7 (V)
D Major 7 (I)
A Major 7 (V)
D Major 7 (I)
C# Minor 7 (vii)
B Minor 7 (vi)
E Major (II)
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borrowed chords:
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E Major (II)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
Chord Progression:
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D Major 7 (I)
G Major 7 (IV)
D Major 7 (I)
G Major 7 (IV)
D Major 7 (I)
G Major 7 (IV)
A Major 7 (V)
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2. “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O’Sullivan
Chord Progression:
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G Major 7 (I)
C Major 7 (IV)
F# Minor 7 (vii)
B Major 7 (III)
E Major 7 (VI)
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3. “” by Radiohead
Chord Progression:
“`
G Major 7 (I)
B Major 7 (III)
C Major 7 (IV)
Eb Major (bVI)
A Minor (ii)
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These examples feature similar chord progressions involving major seventh chords, creating a lush harmonic soundscape. Additionally, some of these songs also have borrowed chords or modal shifts, echoing the unique and emotional harmonic structure found in Pink Floyd’s “Time.”
Musical Analysis
The chorus starts with a repeated I-V (Dmaj7 – Amaj7) progression, which provides a strong sense of resolution and a feeling of floating, calming energy created by the major seventh chords. The progression then moves to C#m7 and Bm7, which serve as a smooth transition to the borrowed E Major chord, creating a temporary shift from the D major tonality.
The use of this borrowed major II chord (E Major) adds a certain degree of tension and surprise, as it’s a non-diatonic chord, highlighting the unique character of the song’s harmony. The progression then resolves back to the tonic (D major), which provides a feeling of resolution and completion of the phrase.
Overall Analysis
“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song from their iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973). The listed chords form the harmonic basis of the chorus section. The harmony is characterized by diatonic major seventh chords, interspersed with a few borrowed chords. The chorus features a fluctuating major/minor tonality, giving the song an emotional and contemplative feel.
Style Analysis
“Time” is a progressive rock song, which is characterized by the incorporation of different styles, unusual time signatures, and complex compositions. The use of diatonic major seventh chords in the chord progression adds to the richness and the atmospheric feel of the song, making it stand out from typical rock compositions.
The modality in the chords gives an ambiguous and shifting quality, which is a common element in Pink Floyd’s music, and further contributes to the progressive rock style.
What are the chords in: Pink Floyd – Time – Chorus?
Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, C#m7, Bm7, E
