Post 76: THE I - VII (RED ROSES) CHORD PROGRESSION

It is unusual for a tune to begin on the tonic and then move on to the 7th as the next chord, meaning that in the Key of F the first chord would be F major and the next E major (or E7th).

This is known as the Red Roses Chord Progression.

If you are improvising or playing without printed music, you have to be aware when it happens or you can be caught out. Examples of tunes beginning with this pattern are:

Mister Sandman

Blue Turning Grey
When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful

Dream

Whispering

Red Roses For A Blue Lady

Some Day You’ll Be Sorry

Sweet Substitute
'Tain't No Sin To Take Off Your Skin
You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me
Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl [half bars]

You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me was made famous by The New Seekers, back in the 1970s. It was written for them, I think, by Geoff Stephens and Tony MacAulay. There is no doubt that the drop from the tonic chord covering You won't find another fool like to the seventh on me, babe accounts for much of the appeal and catchiness of this tune. Here it is: