The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By – Verse
As Tears Go By < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D
Chord Progression Analysis
G major (I), A major (V/V), C major (IV from C), D major (V), G major (I), A major (V/V), C major (IV from C), D major (V), C major (IV), D major (V), G major (I), D major/F# (V6), E minor (vi), C major (IV), D major (V)
Borrowed Chords:
C Major (IV from C)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
Am (i), C (III), D (IV), F (VI), Am (i), C (III), E (V), Am (i)
2. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
C major (I), A major (V/ii), F major (IV), G major (V)
3. “Let it Be” by The Beatles
C major (I), G major (V), A minor (vi), F major (IV), C major (I), F major (IV), C major (I), G major (V), F major (IV), C major (I)
These songs feature similar major and minor chord progressions, functional harmony, and the use of borrowed chords or secondary dominants, which similarly serve to add some unpredictability and variety to the progressions.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with a G major chord, followed by an A major chord, which acts as a secondary dominant (V/V), pulling towards the D major chord. The presence of the C major chord, which is borrowed from the parallel key of C major, adds a touch of unpredictability and variety to the progression. The progression continues with a brief resolution to the tonic G major before moving to a D major chord with an F# in the bass, as a different voicing of the V chord. This leads to the E minor (vi) chord, creating a sense of tension, before returning to the C major (IV) and D major (V) chords, and finally resolving back to the G major (I) chord.
Overall Analysis
The song, “As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones, is primarily in the key of G major. Its chord progression contains elements of classic pop songwriting, particularly from the 1960s, featuring major and minor chords, functional harmony, and a few borrowed chords. The verse has a repeating chord sequence that eventually concludes with a resolution to the tonic chord.
Style Analysis
The use of functional harmony with major, minor, and borrowed chords in “As Tears Go By” gives it a classic pop songwriting style reminiscent of the 1960s era. The song has a melodic, lyrical quality that is characteristic of popular music from that time. Additionally, the structure of the chord progression, with resolving cadences and emphasis on the tonic, demonstrates a strong sense of tonality that is common in pop music across different time periods.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By – Verse?
G, A, C, D, G, A, C, D, C, D, G, D/F#, Em, C, D
