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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.

“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.

“Kiss” by Prince is primarily a rock song that features pop elements. The song utilizes power chords which are common in rock music, having a stripped-down chord structure that highlights the root and the fifth notes of the chord. The defined chord progression listed for Verse 3 is: [‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]. This progression lacks the richness of Major or Minor chords but provides a solid, driving rhythm backbone to the song, prioritizing rhythmic energy over harmonic complexity.

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

Pink Floyd – Time – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Bm

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression with full chord names and their Roman numerals:
“`
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
E minor 7 (‘i7’),
A major (‘IV’),
C major 7 (‘VI7’),
B minor 7 (‘v7’),
F major 7 (‘♭II7’),
G major (‘III’),
D7#9 (‘♭V7#9’),
D7b9 (‘♭V7♭9’),
B minor (‘v’)
“`

Borrowed Chord:
“`
Fmaj7 (‘♭II7’)
— Borrowed from the E Phrygian mode
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
“`
A minor (‘i’),
G minor (‘♭III’),
F major 7 (‘VI7’),
F minor/M7 (‘vi7’),
A minor (‘i’)
“`

2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”:
“`
E minor (‘i’),
D major (‘VII’),
G major (‘III’),
A major (‘IV’)
“`

3. Genesis – “Firth of Fifth”:
“`
A minor (‘i’),
G major (‘VII’),
F major (‘VI’),
E minor (‘v’)
“`

Musical Analysis

This chord progression starts with a pattern of alternating between the Em7 and A chords, creating a sense of uncertainty and suspense. It then moves into the Cmaj7, which functions as a pivot to the v7 chord (Bm7). Following this, the Fmaj7 (borrowed from E Phrygian mode) creates a sense of tension before leading to the G major chord, providing resolution. The progression ends with two altered dominant chords, D7#9 and D7b9, further increasing the tension before ultimately resolving to B minor.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Time” is a prime example of Pink Floyd’s progressive rock style. The song features complex harmonies, explorations of non-diatonic chords, and unconventional chord progressions. The song also showcases the band’s penchant for using meaningful lyrics and storytelling, as well as blending rock and psychedelic elements with lush orchestration.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Time by Pink Floyd are:

Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Em7, A, Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, G, D7#9, D7b9, Bm