The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses – Verse 1
Wild Horses < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The chords for Verse 1 are [‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’].
Here is the chord progression with the full chord names and their Roman numerals, considering G as the tonic:
“`
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
A minor (‘ii’, borrowed from G minor),
C Major (‘IV’),
D Major (‘V’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
B minor (‘iii’),
G Major (‘I’),
A minor (‘ii’, borrowed from G minor),
C Major (‘IV’),
D Major (‘V’),
G Major (‘I’),
D Major (‘V’).
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
Artists across various genres have used similar chord progressions. Notably, “All I Want” by Joni Mitchell utilizes a borrowed iv chord (F Major in the key of C Major, akin to the Am in G Major in “Wild Horses”) giving a similar emotional impact. Also, “Creep” by Radiohead employs a perennial I-iii-IV-V progression repeated throughout the song like “Wild Horses.”
Musical Analysis
Musically, this sequence creates a complex sound-scape very characteristic of the melancholic, yet beautiful tone of “Wild Horses”. The sequence begins with a surprising iii-I progression, introducing tension with the use of a minor chord. This tension is further developed with the borrowed ii chord (Am). As the IV, V, I sequence is very common in many pop songs, this gives a sense of resolution before it starts again, preserving familiarity within the unusual progression.
The borrowed ii chord (Am) is a distinctly unique feature. This chord is borrowed from the key of G minor. By bringing in this minor iv chord, a brief moment of modal mixture occurs, adding emotional depth and complexity to the song.
Overall Analysis
“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is a song in the key of G Major with a chord progression marked by the use of common chords and a few borrowed chords from other keys. The usage of minor and major chords conjures a variety of emotions synonymous with the mood of the song. The repetitive nature of the sequence creates a cyclical feeling that gives a strong sense of the song’s emotional journey.
Style Analysis
The Rolling Stones are known for their innovative approach to rock music and “Wild Horses” is a clear demonstration of that unique style. The use of standard and borrowed chords, emotional dynamics, thoughtful lyrics, and arrangements all contribute to establishing their distinctive sound-scape. They manage to couple the raw emotion of blues-inspired progressions with the structural predictability of pop, creating something truly distinct.
What are the chords in: The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses – Verse 1?
[‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D’]
