Standards
Beyond The Sea chords & key
- Key
- F major
- Form
- AABA
- Bars
- 48
- Groove
- Medium swing
- Time signature
- 4/4
“Beyond The Sea” is a jazz standard by Charles Trenet. Most bands play it in F major, medium swing; the tune runs 48 bars in AABA form. Harmonically it contains 14 major ii–V–I cadences, uses 16 different chords and moves between the key centres F major, C major and A major. In this atlas it appears on 13 album tracks.
Chord changes
Showing in: Concert (C) — F major
Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.
Harmonic analysis
Most used chords
- Dm7×18
- C7×16
- F6×14
- Gm7×12
- G7×4
- A7×3
Key centres reached by ii–V
F major, C major and A major
Characteristics
- AABA song form
Recorded on these albums
| 1959 | That's All Bobby Darin · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 1964 | The Wonderful World of Make Believe Johnny Mathis · “Beyond the Sea (La mer)” |
| 1985 | 20/20 George Benson · “Beyond the Sea (La Mer)” |
| 1993 | The Wonderful World of Bobby Darin Bobby Darin · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 1993 | The Hawk in Paris Coleman Hawkins with Manny Albam and His Orchestra · “La Mer (Beyond the Sea)” |
| 1996 | Blue Condition Bobby Caldwell · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 1999 | Come Rain or Come Shine Bobby Caldwell · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 2005 | Live at Montreux 1986 George Benson · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 2005 | Most Wanted Swing King Park Orchestra · “Beyond the Sea” |
| 2011 | Christmas with Bobby Darin Bobby Darin |
| 2011 | Bobby Darin Live Bobby Darin · “Beyond the Sea” |
| — | Simply the Best Bobby Darin · “Beyond the Sea” |
| — | Speak to Me of Love Ray Conniff · “Beyond the Sea” |
Frequently asked questions
What key is Beyond The Sea in?
Beyond The Sea is usually played in F major. For B♭ instruments that is G major, for E♭ instruments D major.
Who wrote Beyond The Sea?
Beyond The Sea was written by Charles Trenet.
What is the form of Beyond The Sea?
Beyond The Sea has 4 sections (AABA) with 48 bars in total.
How fast is Beyond The Sea played?
The usual groove is Medium swing.
What are the chord changes to Beyond The Sea?
The opening bars are F6 Dm7 | Gm7 C7 | F6 Dm7 | Gm7 C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.