Easy Living — Chord Changes & Harmonic Analysis
- Composer:
- Ralph Rainger
- Year:
- 1937
- Key:
- F major
- Form:
- AABA (32 bars)
- Style:
- Ballad
- Tempo:
- 60–100 BPM
A sophisticated ballad with lush harmonic movement. Features chromatic bass lines and rich ii-V progressions.
About This Standard
Composed by Ralph Rainger with lyrics by Leo Robin for the 1937 Paramount film Easy Living, the song became a jazz ballad standard through recordings by Billie Holiday and others. Its lush, song-like quality and accessible harmonic language made it a natural fit for jazz interpretation across multiple eras.
Notable recordings:
- Billie Holiday — (various recordings)
- Erroll Garner — (various recordings)
- Teddi King — (1954 recording)
Chord Changes
Notation
Harmonic Analysis
Easy Living is a 32-bar AABA ballad in Bb major with a comfortable, song-like harmonic language. The A sections move through Bb major with diatonic ii-V-I progressions, secondary dominants adding color without complexity. The bridge offers harmonic contrast before returning home. Its gentle, symmetrical harmonic movement and natural melodic flow make it a good vehicle for developing a relaxed, singing approach to jazz improvisation and ballad playing.