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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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The song, ‘Across the Universe’ by The Beatles is uniquely complex in its melody and chord progression. The song modulates or shifts key but is rooted mainly in D major. The song utilizes the standard rock/pop song structure of Verse, Chorus, and Outro. The unusual facet of this song’s composition is the use of borrowed chords (non-diatonic chords) that add unexpected twists to an otherwise typical chord progression.

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“Something” written by George Harrison from The Beatles majorly follows the key of C major and includes a few borrowed chords. There is a usage of secondary dominants and seventh chords which lend a harmonic complexity to the song. During the course of the song, the chords shift from the major scale to the parallel minor scale.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a multi-genre masterpiece that incorporates elements of ballad, opera, and hard rock, showcasing Queen’s versatility and musical potential. The song is mainly in the key of Bb major, but it aggressively utilizes modulations, chromaticism, borrowed chords, and modally mixed chords. The given chord progression is from the verse that follows the opera section, here Queen offers an unusual, nuanced chord progression that complements the surrounding sections.

The given chord progression belongs to the verse 2 of the song “Apocalypse Please” by Muse. This progression reflects the band’s signature style that combines elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. The chords follow a pattern that combines both diatonic and chromatic movement, creating a dramatic and intense feel. A unique feature in this progression is the use of slash chords, which adds further harmonic interest.

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer is a 90s alternative rock song featuring a catchy chord progression and memorable melodies. The verse 2 chord progression consists of a repeated set of chords: C, G, Am, F. This progression is common in popular music and creates a sense of familiarity for the listener. The key is C Major.

The Beatles – Across The Universe – Verse 2

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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.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Across The Universe by The Beatles are:

[‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘F#m’, ‘Em7’, ‘A’, ‘A7’]