When I Was Your Man

This transcription starts in C major.

The estimated tempo is 73 BPM, calculated from the median spacing between detected beats. This is a summary of the transcription; timing can vary during the song.

Recurring four-chord sequences in this transcription include Am → C → Dm → G (4 occurrences); G → C → F → G (3 occurrences); C → F → G → C (3 occurrences). These are exact chord-label matches within sections, not a complete harmonic analysis.

Here are a few patterns to play with: vi → I → ii → V in C major; V → I → IV → V in C major; I → IV → V → I in C major. Think of Roman numerals as chord names you can take into any key. Uppercase is major, lowercase is minor; in minor keys, we count from the natural-minor scale.

Yes! In C major: The hopscotch progression (I → IV → V → vi) shows up in the chorus at 1:02 and 2:11. Three rising chord roots give this loop a lift before it hops back around. The ii–V–I progression (ii → V → I) shows up in the verse at 0:16 and 0:29. Jazz’s trusty route home: set up some tension, turn it up, then let it resolve. The three-chord I–IV–V progression (IV → V → I) shows up in the chorus at 0:52 and 0:59. Three chords, plenty of mileage: home, a lift away, and the pull to come back. The plagal sigh (IV → iv → I) shows up in the chorus at 1:12 and 2:21. One note sinks as IV turns minor, giving the return home its little ache.

The transcription starts in 4/4.

The detected sections are intro (0:00) → verse (0:13) → pre-chorus (0:39) → chorus (0:52) → verse (1:22) → pre-chorus (1:48) → chorus (2:01) → bridge (2:28) → chorus (2:54) → outro (3:25).

The transcribed version lasts 3:33. Other recordings or edits may have a different duration.