Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The Verse of “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd showcases a unique and non-diatonic chord progression that focuses on D mixolydian mode with added sus2 chords and an augmented chord. It deviates from traditional harmony patterns and creates a spacious, floating feel. The chords occur in a consistent pattern and are mostly slash chords with the constant presence of the D note in the bass, which further strengthens the D tonality.

“Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer is a grunge rock song from their debut album, “Weezer (The Blue Album)” released in 1994. The chord progression in Verse 2 seems to blend elements from both pop and rock genres, with some diatonic chords and a borrowed chord that adds an unexpected twist.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is a classic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song features an introspective and expressive melody with a predominantly acoustic instrumentation. The chord progression for Verse 2 demonstrates a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with borrowed chords from parallel modes, which adds to the emotional depth of the piece.

“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

Pink Floyd – Time – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

F#m, A, E, F#m, F#m, A, E, F#m, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, C#m7, Bm, Bm7, F/B

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
F#m (vi),
A (I),
E (IV),
F#m (vi),
F#m (vi),
A (I),
E (IV),
F#m (vi),
Dmaj7 (♭VII),
Amaj7 (IV),
Dmaj7 (♭VII),
Amaj7 (IV),
Dmaj7 (♭VII),
C#m7 (iii7),
Bm (ii),
Bm7 (ii7),
F/B (♭II/♮4)
“`

Borrowed Chord:

“`
Dmaj7 (♭VII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
“`
Bm (i),
A (♭VII),
E (IV),
G (♭III),
F# (V),
D (♭VII),
Bm (i),
G (♭III),
F#/E (♭VII/III)
“`

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”
“`
E (I),
Em (i),
A (IV),
C (♭VI),
F#m (ii),
G (III),
D (V),
E (I)
“`

While these chord progressions are not identical to the one in “Time,” they share some similarities in their use of borrowed chords, unconventional harmonies, and shifting tonalities, adding intrigue and complexity to their respective songs.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with a sequence of F#m-A-E-F#m, creating a 6-1-4 motion, which can be seen as a sequence of resolutions and suspensions. This sequence is followed by a change in tonality with the borrowed chord Dmaj7 (♭VII) from F# Mixolydian mode which adds a sense of surprise and uncertainty. The progression proceeds to alternate between Dmaj7 (♭VII) and Amaj7 (IV), two major chords a whole step apart, creating a sense of tension. Finally, the progression moves through C#m7, Bm, Bm7, and the unexpected F/B chord (♭II/♮4). The use of the root F instead of the expected F# introduces tension, further contributing to the emotional complexity of the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The somewhat unconventional chord progression, combined with the alternating major and minor tonalities, is typical of Pink Floyd’s progressive rock style. Their innovative approach to harmony and unusual chord progressions is a defining aspect of their music, adding to their unique sound and exploring different emotional and sonic landscapes.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Time by Pink Floyd are:

F#m, A, E, F#m, F#m, A, E, F#m, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, Amaj7, Dmaj7, C#m7, Bm, Bm7, F/B