The Beatles – Because – Verse 1
Because < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#m7b5’, ‘G#7/D#’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘A9’, ‘A13’, ‘D’, ‘Ddim7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Because’ chords are as follows:
C# Minor (‘i’)
C# Minor (‘i’)
D#m7b5 (‘iiø7th’)
G#7/D# (‘V7/ii’)
A major (‘VI’)
C#m (‘i’)
A9 (‘VI9’)
A13 (‘VI13’)
D major (‘bVII’)
Ddim7 (‘viio’)
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Borrowed chords: D major (‘bVII’ from parallel major), Ddim7 (‘viio’ from relative major)
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Similar Chord Progressions
While it’s hard to find identical chord progressions due to the Beatles’ unique complexity, similar exploration of harmony can be found in various pieces by other artists who also explored the boundary of conventional pop songwriting. An example is the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”, which uses many secondary dominants and borrowed chords as well.
Chords in “God Only Knows” are as follows: A (‘I’), E/G# (‘V6’), F#m7 (‘vi7’), D9/A (‘IV9/6’), G7/F (‘bVII7/4’), Am7 (‘v7’, borrowed from parallel minor), D13/A (‘IV13/6’), E7/G# (‘V7/6’), C#m7 (‘iii7’), F#13/B (‘vi13/6’), B7/Ab (‘V7/2’), Emaj7 (‘VII7’, borrowed from lydian).
Musical Analysis
The G#7/D# is a secondary dominant leading to the A major, treating A major as if it were the tonic momentarily (tonicization). The A9 and A13 further embellish the A major chord, adding complexity and color to the harmony. The D major introduces a brief modulation to the parallel major key, before leading to the Ddim7, which acts as a leading tone to the tonic chord, C#m.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression of “Because” by The Beatles demonstrates the band’s profound exploration of harmony. The song starts in the key of C# minor, revolves around this key, and includes various modulations and tonicizations to explore chords beyond the key. It heavily employs secondary dominants and borrowed chords, particularly the diminished 7th chords, which is not uncommon in Beatles’s songs. The chord progression has a dreamy and fluid flow due to these harmonic explorations.
Style Analysis
The Beatles, specifically George Martin and Paul McCartney, were well-known for their use of more complex harmonies beyond simple pop structures. “Because” embodies their late style, heavily influenced by classical music (especially Baroque and Romantic periods). The use of complex harmony throughout this song is distinct, utilizing secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished seventh chords, adding an intricate depth and fluidity to their songwriting.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Because – Verse 1?
[‘C#m’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#m7b5’, ‘G#7/D#’, ‘A’, ‘C#m’, ‘A9’, ‘A13’, ‘D’, ‘Ddim7’]
