1985 by Bowling for Soup

Key: G#m · 117 BPM · 4/4

1985 by Bowling for Soup is written in B major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-vi-V progression — variation of the Axis progression: B-E-G#m-F#. At 117 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace. The same chords are equally correct read against B major's relative key, G#m — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-vi-V progression (Variation of the Axis progression) in B major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VI-i-VII in G#m — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-vi-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
Capo 2AA-D-F#m-E
Capo 4GG-C-Em-D
Capo 7EE-A-C#m-B

Chord chart

  • 0:01 B
  • 0:03 E
  • 0:05 G#m
  • 0:07 F#
  • 0:09 B
  • 0:11 E
  • 0:13 G#m
  • 0:15 F#
  • 0:19 B
  • 0:21 E
  • 0:22 B
  • 0:23 G#m
  • 0:25 F#
  • 0:27 B
  • 0:28 E
  • 0:30 G#m
  • 0:32 F#
  • 0:35 B
  • 0:37 E
  • 0:39 G#m
  • 0:41 F#
  • 0:43 B
  • 0:45 E
  • 0:47 G#m
  • 0:49 F#
  • 0:53 B
  • 0:55 E
  • 0:57 G#m
  • 0:59 A
  • 1:01 B
  • 1:03 E
  • 1:05 G#m
  • 1:07 A
  • 1:10 B
  • 1:13 E
  • 1:15 G#m
  • 1:17 F#
  • 1:18 B
  • 1:20 E
  • 1:23 G#m
  • 1:25 F#
  • 1:27 B
  • 1:28 E
  • 1:31 G#m
  • 1:33 F#
  • 1:35 B
  • 1:37 E
  • 1:39 G#m
  • 1:41 F#
  • 1:43 B
  • 1:45 E
  • 1:47 G#m
  • 1:49 F#
  • 1:53 B
  • 1:55 E
  • 1:57 G#m
  • 1:59 A
  • 2:00 B
  • 2:03 E
  • 2:05 G#m
  • 2:07 A
  • 2:10 B
  • 2:13 E
  • 2:15 G#m
  • 2:17 F#
  • 2:18 B
  • 2:23 G#m7
  • 2:25 F#
  • 2:27 B
  • 2:29 E
  • 2:31 G#m7
  • 2:33 F#
  • 2:37 B
  • 2:40 E
  • 2:42 G#m
  • 2:44 A
  • 2:46 B
  • 2:48 E
  • 2:50 G#m
  • 2:52 A
  • 2:53 B
  • 2:56 E
  • 2:58 G#m7
  • 3:00 A
  • 3:01 B
  • 3:04 E
  • 3:06 G#m
  • 3:08 A

Frequently asked questions

What key is 1985 in?

1985 is in B major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, G#m, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does 1985 use?

The core of 1985 cycles through B, E, G#m, F# (4 chords).

What is the tempo of 1985?

1985 runs at 117 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does 1985 use?

1985 follows the I-IV-vi-V progression. It's a variation of the Axis progression.

What capo should I use for 1985?

Capo 2 and play A major shapes — that gets you open chords instead of barring in B major.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-vi-V progression

Other songs in G#m