Shallow

The harmony of 'Shallow' is distinctive for its clever use of the relative minor/major relationship. While the song is in G Major, it constantly leans into E Minor (vi), creating a somber, grounded atmosphere. The most harmonic interest occurs in the bridge, where an A Major (II) chord is introduced. Diatonically, G Major contains an A minor; the shift to A Major provides a bright, 'lifting' tension (vocal belt section) that acts as a secondary dominant or a borrowed chord from the E Dorian mode, driving the emotional peak of the song before crashing back into the chorus.

Written as a pivotal conversation between the characters Ally and Jackson Maine in 'A Star Is Born', the song represents the moment they fall in love and choose to abandon the safety of the 'shallow' for deeper emotional waters. The track was originally written as a rock song by Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson while sitting on the floor of Gaga's home studio.

Serving as the definitive anthem of the 2018 film 'A Star Is Born,' this duet blends folk-rock intimacy with a soaring pop-rock climax. It became a global phenomenon, winning an Academy Award and solidifying Lady Gaga's status as a powerhouse in both music and cinema.