The Beatles – I Am The Walrus – Verse 1
I Am The Walrus < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘A’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression for the verse is as follows:
A Major (I), A/G (I bass inversion), C Major (♭III – Borrowed from the parallel minor), D Major (IV), A Major (I), A/G (I bass inversion), C Major (♭III – Borrowed from the parallel minor), D7 (IV7), A Major (I).
“`Borrowed Chords: C Major“`
Similar Chord Progressions
The use of borrowed chords can be seen in other songs from the 1960s psychedelic era. The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” uses a similar technique, occasionally borrowing chords from the parallel minor in what would otherwise be a simple major key progression. A parallel can also be drawn to the work of Pink Floyd, in their song “See Emily Play”, which also creatively borrows chords to achieve a psychedelic sound.
Here is the progression which similar techniques were used (not the whole songs, just representative snippets):
Beach Boys – Good Vibrations: E Major (I), F# minor (ii), G Major (♭III – Borrowed from the parallel minor), A Major (IV), E Major (I)
Pink Floyd – See Emily Play: A Major (I), B Major (II), C Major (♭III – Borrowed from the parallel minor), D Major (IV), E Major (V)
Musical Analysis
The use of the borrowed chord C Major (♭III) from the parallel minor scale offers a chromatic and unexpected shift that contributes to the psychedelic and unpredictable nature of the song. The D7 chord in the progression introduces a dominant seventh, providing tension that resolves back to the tonic chord, A Major.
Overall Analysis
“I Am The Walrus” is a distinctive composition by the Beatles from their 1967 album “Magical Mystery Tour”. Known for its surreal lyrics and creative chord progression, the song displays the Beatles’ mastery of composition and their innovative use of harmony. The song features elements from psychedelic rock, a genre that the Beatles helped popularize during the mid-1960s.
Style Analysis
“I Am The Walrus” reflects the Beatles’ progression from their initial pop-rock sound into more experimental and avant-garde styles. The song’s unusual chord progression, abstract lyrics, and complex structure are hallmarks of psychedelic rock. The borrowed chords and modulation display a sophisticated understanding of music theory and suggest the influence of classical music and jazz on the Beatles’ songwriting.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – I Am The Walrus – Verse 1?
[‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘A/G’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘A’]
