The Beatles – Penny Lane – Verse 4
Penny Lane < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘E7’]
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
A (I),
F#m (vi),
Bm (ii),
E7 (V7/vi),
A (I),
F#m (vi),
Am (bVI – borrowed from A minor),
F (bVI – borrowed from A minor, tritone substitution of B7),
E7 (V7),
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder:
“`
A (I),
F#m (vi),
Bm/E (ii/V),
E7 (V7),
A (I),
D/A (IV),
Fsus7(#11),
F7(#11)
“`
2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston:
“`
A (I),
F#m7 (vi7),
Bm7 (ii7),
E7 (V7),
Dmaj7 (IVmaj7),
Gmaj7 (bVII),
Bm7 (ii7),
C#m7b5 (viio7b5),
Dmaj7 (IVmaj7),
Dm7 (IVm7)
— borrowed from A minor
“`
Both songs contain similar I-vi-ii-V7 sequences and use of borrowed chords/modal interchange; Stevie Wonder also uses an Fsus7(#11) as a tritone substitution for the dominant B7 similar to the Beatles’ usage of F in place of B7.
Notice how both of them and The Beatles blend pop, jazz, and classical elements together in their music, by incorporating advanced harmony and unique chord progressions.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts normally, with a I-vi-ii-V7 sequence which is common in many pop songs (also known as a circle progression). However, The Beatles used an E7 as a secondary dominant to point towards the vi chord, F#m. This enhances the harmonic movement and creates stronger tension and resolution. The song also uses modal interchange when it borrows Am and F from the parallel minor key (A minor). The substitution of F for B7 is a particular feature known as tritone substitution, common in jazz.
Overall Analysis
The song “Penny Lane” written by the Beatles is in the key of A major. The structure of Verse 4, specifically, has a very effective use of both diatonic (belonging naturally to the key) and borrowed chords (taken from a different key or mode). They have incorporated secondary dominants, pivot modulation, and modal interchange which reflect their knowledge of musical theory and compositional skills.
Style Analysis
The Beatles often used secondary dominants, modal interchange, and tritone substitutions in their songs to add harmonic interest, reflecting their advanced understanding of music theory. They were known for their innovative and unique blending of elements from different music styles – pop, blues, and classical – in their compositions.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – Penny Lane – Verse 4?
[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘E7’]
