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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is an iconic rock ballad from their 1975 album of the same name. The song’s verse chord progression evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, featuring a combination of major and minor chords, as well as borrowed chords and inversions that create a unique and emotional soundscape.

“Honky Tonk Women” is a classic blues-infused rock and roll track, like many songs by The Rolling Stones. The guitar riffs and solo (though not discussed here) clearly show blues influence in their use of the pentatonic scale and common blues licks.

The chord progression used for verse 2 is a typical example of a classic rock chord progression, with a key center around G, utilizing the dominant chords of the key in a I-IV-I-V-IV-I-IV-I progression.

The chord progression in verse 2 of “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis is a jazz-influenced progression in the key of E minor. It features several extended chords, such as the Em9 and Gmaj7 used throughout, and a dominant chord, B7, which provides tension and resolution in the progression. The G/A chord, which is essentially an A11 chord without the 3rd, also gives the progression a sense of blending major and minor tonalities.

“All My Loving” by The Beatles is a mid-tempo pop song written in the key of E minor for the verse and D Major for the bridge and outro, featuring a distinct, upbeat walking bassline. The grey, almost mournful verses, along with the brighter, major-toned bridges and chorus, create a juxtaposition of feelings within the piece. The bridge also highlights The Beatles’ use of secondary dominants and chromaticism. Concluding in the tonic key of D Major, the song has an interesting interplay between Em and D Major throughout, which could be perceived as a Em: i, VI, III, II and D: vi, V7, I, vi, IV, ii, I progression.

Pink Floyd – Time – Verse 2

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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