Help with understanding the theory behind this chord progression - James Blunt
I cannot find an answer to some of the chord relations that are present in this song, so any assistance would be great! Particularly in reference to the harmony and theory behind the progression.
The song is "I'll take everything" by James Blunt. I think it's in the key of G, but perhaps modulates in the bridge? I've bolded the parts I'm unsure of.
Verse:
G -> Bm -> D [I - iii - V]
Prechorus:
Em -> Bm -> D [vi - iii - V]
F# -> Bm -> D [is this the V chord of the Bm scale? then to a iii - V]
Bridge:
F# -> Bm -> D [as above]
G -> F# -> Em7 -> A -> F#m -> D [Unsure about the progression here]
F#m -> C#7sus4 -> C#7 -> F#7sus4 -> F#7 -> Bm -> D [Unsure about the progression here]
Chorus
Em -> F#sus4 -> F# -> F#7 -> Bm/D [Unsure about the progression here]
Thank you :D
(2)2 Comments
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The recording of this song is actually a half step higher as @Tim pointed out. It starts with a Cm pickup on beat 3. However I will make all my comments in your key since you asked the question and wrote out the chords in that key. This song is very interesting because the main chord is G but the melody is largely based on the notes B C# D E F# G which makes it sound like Lydian mode. It’s a bit nebulous, almost as if the G is a IV chord in the key of D or a bVI chord in the key of Bm that doesn’t resolve. Because it revolves around the G chord so much I would say the song is in G but I wouldn’t debate someone who has a different opinion.
The Bm and D chords are quarter note pickups into a G (Gmaj7 on the choruses) downbeat which lasts a full 6 beats like so:
Bm D ||:G ///|//Bm D:||
After 4 repeats of this with the the vocal it uses the same 2 chords to go to Em like you showed in the pre-chorus, then the same pickups to F#7, which is the V of Bm. You can also think of the F#7 as a VII7 of G since the Bm goes by so quickly. The choruses are similar to the verses except you can clearly hear the maj7 in the guitar part.
Your bridge chords basically look good except the first chord of the second line should have a C# in the bass: F#m/C#. Analysis of the bridge sounds like a brief modulation to D And a few secondary dominants to get back to the home key.
You labeled the last section as “chorus” but I think you meant “coda” this also looks good. The last chord, Bm/D adds to the ambiguity (intentional I’m sure) of this very interesting tune.
The song is very simple If you start with Bm as key tonality:
It is not always clear whether a song is in major or in its relative minor key and which is the tonic.
I haven’t listened to this song yet but havin a look at the chords and lyrics it becomes obvious:
tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/james-blunt/ill-take-everything-chords-583215
(Notice this sheet is in a - minor!)
Intro:
i III VI V
It seems as if you understand enough of basic chord theory to finish now the adjustment in your analysis.
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