Quote:
Originally Posted by Twiddle Dee
The Rolling Stones song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' has only 3 chords and one them is a II chord. It goes, for example in C, Cmaj-Fmaj-Cmaj-Fmaj-Dmaj-Fmaj-Cmaj ect. Why does the II chord (Dmaj) work so well when it's clearly outside the key? The II chord contains a sharp 4th (F#). The C maj scale with a #4 is the C Lydian mode so the II chord is a 'borrowed' chord from the Lydian mode. I watched a Rick Beato video on modes (highly recommend his videos) and he explained that when the Lydian mode is used it often conveys a sense of hope or purpose which makes total sense in this context. I find this stuff interesting and I'd be interested in your comments.
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As a guy who studied and taught theory at the university level, you're way overthinking this. And Beato's take is one way to look at it. But not the only way. There's not always a need to put everything in neat little boxes, to label everything, using as many syllables and fancy words as possible. Some things are simple. Some are accidents. Too much internet learning...my opinion only.