I'm attempting to figure out what is going on in terms of harmony with this song.
This is the best I have managed so far (supposing a tonal center of A):
Chords are:
Am Em G Am C Am D Em - F C D9 G - F G Em7 Am
Which comes out functionally as:
Am: i v bVII i bIII
(Am:) i(a) IV v
C: iii -
(C:) IV I V9/V V -
(C:) IV V
Am: bVII v7 i
Notes:
- The first and third lines appear to have an extra beat.
- Diatonic pivot modulation to relative major and back.
I'm not sure I need to specify the leading flats, seeing as the root-notes lie in the minor (Aeolian) scale.
My attention is drawn to line 2 measure 2: a (major) IV chord!
I've been analyzing classical works functionally, I've got as far as Beethoven. And I've looked at some modern works as well like Scott Joplin, Queen, etc. But this entire sequence really throws me out. I have no context for i v bVII i
.
It seems not to have evolved from the same base. As if it is a different kind of species that has evolved independently. This has not come from Bach, surely?
Can anyone help me get a feel for this very beautiful work.