The Beatles – The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill – Verse
The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘E’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Fm’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chord progression for the verse is analyzed as follows:
* A minor (i chord in A minor key)
* C major (III chord in A minor key / borrowed chord from A major)
* F major (VI chord in A minor key / borrowed chord from F major)
* G major (VII chord in A minor key / borrowed chord from G major)
`A minor (‘i’), C major (‘bIII’), F major (‘bVI’), G major (‘bVII’)`.
* E major (V chord in A minor key / borrowed chord from A major)
* G major (VII chord in A minor key / borrowed chord from G major)
* A minor (i chord in A minor key)
* F minor (VI chord in F minor key / borrowed chord from F minor)
`E major (‘V’), G major (‘bVII’), A minor (‘i’), F minor (‘iv’)`.
Similar Chord Progressions
The cyclical nature of the chord progression is reminiscent to other works like Radiohead’s “House of Cards”, which uses a similar sequence adjusted to different keys:
* B minor (i chord in B minor key)
* D major (VI chord in B minor key / borrowed chord from D major)
* G major (III chord in B minor key / borrowed chord from G major)
* A major (IV chord in B minor key)
`B minor (‘i’), D major (‘bVI’), G major (‘bIII’), A major (‘iv’)`.
In its core progression, this Radiohead’s song shares the use of a minor i chord, major IV, & suggestive borrowed chords, albeit in a different key.
Musical Analysis
The song features a cyclical four-chord progression that goes through A minor, C major, F major, and G major chords twice, invoking a sense of movement in the verse. The shift to E major provides a brief moment of tension before resolving back to A minor. The inclusion of F minor introduces a spookier, exotic sound that heightens the drama of the song, which is further intensified by the use of borrowed chords.
Overall Analysis
“The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” features a verse in A minor with a brief but significant shift to F minor, due to the use of borrowed chords or modal mixture. Notably, it showcases The Beatles’ sophisticated approach to harmonization, utilizing unconventional chord progressions & modulations that are cyclical.
Style Analysis
As for style notes, the Beatles were known for their innovative and unconventional use of harmony and melody. They frequently used borrowed chords and modal interchange, blending elements of different musical modes within a single song. “The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill” exemplifies this approach, and the surprising shift to F minor contributes to its unique character.
What are the chords in: The Beatles – The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill – Verse?
[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘E’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Fm’]
