The Beatles – Across The Universe – Verse 2
Across The Universe < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here is the chord progression for Verse 2:
1. D Major (I)
2. B minor (vi)
3. F# minor (iii)
4. E minor 7 (ii7)
5. A Major (V)
6. A7 (V7)
7. D Major (I)
8. B minor (vi)
9. F# minor (iii)
10. E minor 7 (ii7)
11. A Major (V)
12. A7 (V7)
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E minor 7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (D minor).
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Similar Chord Progressions
Elton John’s “Your Song” features a similar chord progression:
1. Eb Major (I)
2. Bb minor (v)
3. G# minor (iii)
4. F minor 7 (ii7)
5. Bb Major (V)
6. Bb7 (V7)
The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” also shows a similar progression:
1. G Major (I)
2. E minor (vi)
3. B minor (iii)
4. A minor 7 (ii7)
5. D Major (IV)
6. D7 (IV7)
Musical Analysis
The progression starts with the tonic chord D major, providing a grounded, peaceful opening. It then progresses to B minor, the relative minor of D, adding a hint of sadness.
F# minor is the mediant chord, which often feels somewhat ambiguous due to its placement between the tonic and subdominant. Following F# minor is E minor 7, a borrowed chord from D minor that enhances the melancholy mood.
This progression concludes with a perfect cadence A Major to A7, exerting a strong pull back to the key’s tonic chord, D Major. This movement creates an emotional resolution after the melancholic journey through the previous chords.
Overall Analysis
Across the Universe by The Beatles is a melancholic, introspective piece set in the key of D major, imbuing an overall sound spectrum that’s somber with a hint of hopeful resolution. The chord progression utilizes both diatonic and borrowed chords, making it both unusual and interesting.
Style Analysis
Featuring a mix of major and minor as well as borrowed chords, this progression is characteristic of The Beatles’ ability to blend simple melodic elements with sophisticated harmonic techniques. The use of the borrowed chord (Em7) from the parallel minor key is a common Beatles’ trick to add colour, tension, and emotional depth, keeping the audience guessing.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Across The Universe – Verse 2?
[‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’]
