It Could Happen to You — Chord Changes & Harmonic Analysis
- Composer:
- Jimmy Van Heusen
- Year:
- 1944
- Key:
- Eb major
- Form:
- AABA (32 bars)
- Style:
- Jazz Standard
- Tempo:
- 80–160 BPM
A swinging standard with straightforward harmony. Great for practicing ii-V-I progressions and melodic development.
About This Standard
Composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke for the 1944 film And the Angels Sing, It Could Happen to You became a jazz standard through its accessible harmonic language and memorable melody. It is frequently associated with Chet Baker, whose relaxed, lyrical rendition remains a touchstone interpretation.
Notable recordings:
- Bing Crosby — (1944 original film version)
- Chet Baker — (various recordings, considered definitive)
- Diana Krall — When I Look in Your Eyes (1999)
Chord Changes
Notation
Harmonic Analysis
It Could Happen to You is a 32-bar AABA standard in Eb major with a warm, accessible harmonic language. The A sections feature clean ii-V-I progressions in Eb with secondary dominants adding gentle color. The bridge moves to a contrasting key area before the final A returns home. Its comfortable harmonic movement and lyrical melody make it an excellent vehicle for developing a singing, relaxed approach to jazz improvisation, particularly in a ballad or medium swing context.