The Beatles – Come Together – Verse 2
Come Together < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Dm’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression for Verse 2 is quite repetitive and groovy, making heavy use of the D minor pentatonic scale. The chord progression is as follows:
D minor: Dm (‘i’)
D minor: Dm (‘i’)
A Major: A (‘V’)
G Major: G (‘IV’)
The chords ‘IV’ (G Major) and ‘V’ (A Major) are not naturally occurring in the D minor scale. Therefore, ‘IV’ and ‘V’ are borrowed chords from the D Major scale.
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Borrowed Chords: IV (G Major), V (A Major)
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Similar Chord Progressions
Many rock and pop songs also use borrowed chords to add intrigue and interest to their progressions. While not exactly the same, a few examples include:
1. “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix: C (‘I’), G (‘V’), D (‘II’), A (‘VI’), E (‘III’)
2. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd: D (‘I’), C (‘bVII’), G (‘IV’)
Note that these progressions do not copy “Come Together” exactly, but they do share similarities in terms of the borrowing and key modulation techniques used.
Musical Analysis
The constant repetition of Dm gives a sense of both groove and subtly darker undercurrent, helping to underscore the moodiness of the song. The transition from ‘i’ to ‘V’ (Dm to A) forms the basis of a deceptive cadence, or interrupted cadence, which contributes to the powerful surprise and tension when the progression changes on the last two chords. The borrowed chords, ‘IV’ and ‘V’, create a shift in mood, highlighting the Beatles’ innovative use of borrowing and key modulation that was characteristic of their late career.
Overall Analysis
“Come Together”, released by The Beatles in 1969 on their Abbey Road album, is a rock song known for its catchy bass-line, cryptic lyrics and iconic chorus. It’s written in D minor key, a common key in rock music. Across the progression, there is not only an interesting mix of different chords but also a novel use of borrowed chords that play a significant role in making the song mysterious, intriguing, and unique.
Style Analysis
“Come Together” reflects The Beatles’ evolution from their early pop roots to a more mature, experimental rock sound. The innovative use of borrowed chords, the darker tonality provided by D minor, and the subtle complexity of the progression show the band’s penchant for breaking the traditional songwriting mold. The use of repetitive, rhythmic groove in the bass-line, coupled with the extensive use of a minor pentatonic scale, also suggests influences from blues and early rock ‘n roll.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Come Together – Verse 2?
[‘Dm’, ‘Dm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]
