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The song “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock tune that is characterized by its simple yet effective chord progressions. The key of this song is D Major. This song utilizes mostly major chords (D, A, and G), and it has a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V chord progression, a staple in many rock, blues, and pop music.

The chord progression can be divided into three main sections (please see the details below). The first section is based around the I chord (C), the second section introduces the IV chord (F), then it returns to the I chord. The third section introduces a borrowed chord (bVII – Bb from C Mixolydian), a V chord (G), then returns to the I chord with a brief excursion back to the V chord. There is repetition in this section with the return to the I chord.

“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

“Paper Tiger” by Beck is a unique and stylistic piece, displaying a blend of various genres and influences. The verse 2 chord progression is quite simple, but the harmonic choices create tension and provide a sense of movement throughout the progression. Combining the elements of rock, folk, and alternative music, this chord progression is both intriguing and musically satisfying.

“All My Loving” by The Beatles is a mid-tempo pop song written in the key of E minor for the verse and D Major for the bridge and outro, featuring a distinct, upbeat walking bassline. The grey, almost mournful verses, along with the brighter, major-toned bridges and chorus, create a juxtaposition of feelings within the piece. The bridge also highlights The Beatles’ use of secondary dominants and chromaticism. Concluding in the tonic key of D Major, the song has an interesting interplay between Em and D Major throughout, which could be perceived as a Em: i, VI, III, II and D: vi, V7, I, vi, IV, ii, I progression.

The Rolling Stones – Dead Flowers – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
D Major (‘I’), A Major (‘V’), G Major (‘IV’), D Major (‘I’)
“`
In the context of the key, no borrowed chords are present.

Similar Chord Progressions

A similar chord progression can be found in the following songs:
1. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
– D (‘I’), C (‘bVII’), G (‘IV’), D (‘I’)
2. “Already Gone” by The Eagles
– G (‘I’), D (‘V’), C (‘IV’), G (‘I’)

Both these songs use very similar chord progressions, and their vibes and themes resonate with “Dead Flowers”. They also fall into the rock/country hybrid genre The Rolling Stones ventured into with this song.

Musical Analysis

In terms of music theory, “Dead Flowers” stands out for its simple yet effective chord progression. The pattern of I-V-IV-I creates a solid foundation for the melody. It’s a simple circle of progression that starts and ends on the same chord, creating a cyclical harmonic motion throughout the song. This is a hallmark of the Rolling Stones’ songwriting style: basic harmonic structures embellished by distinctive melodic and rhythmic elements, mainly driven by the lead guitar riffs and the vocals.

Overall Analysis

“Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones, from their album “Sticky Fingers” (1971), features a fairly straightforward repetitive chord progression of D, A, G, D in the verse. The key here is D Major. This common progression falls into a I-V-IV-I pattern known as a “plagal cadence”. It’s a progression which consists of a major key followed by its dominant (V), then its subdominant (IV), taking us back to the tonic (I).

Style Analysis

This chord progression reflects the Stones’ propensity for Americana and country-inspired rock. The simplicity and structure of the chords embody the essence of traditional country music, while their rock sensibility emerges in the song’s instrumentation and production.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones are:

[‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘D’]