Standards

Suddenly It's Spring chords & key

Key
B♭ major
Form
ABCA
Bars
32
Groove
Medium swing
Time signature
4/4

“Suddenly It's Spring” is a jazz standard by Jimmy Van-Heusen. Most bands play it in B♭ major, medium swing; the tune runs 32 bars in ABCA form. Harmonically it contains 4 major ii–V–I cadences and 3 minor ii–V–i, uses 21 different chords and moves between the key centres C minor, B♭ major, D major and E♭ major.

Chord changes

Showing in: Concert (C) — B♭ major

A
Cm7
D7
Gm7
C7
Cm7
F7
B♭maj7
Dm7♭5G7♭9
B
Cm7
D7
Gm7
C7D♭dim7
Dmaj7Bm7
Em7A7
D6
Fm7B♭7
C
Fm7B♭7
E♭maj7
B♭7
E♭maj7
Dm7G7
Cm7
Dm7♭5
G7♭13
A
Cm7
D7
Gm7
C7
Cm7
F7
B♭6
Dm7♭5G7♭9

Changes as commonly played (concert pitch). Your band's version may differ.

Harmonic analysis

4Major ii–V–I
3Minor ii–V–i
12ii–V moves
0Tritone substitutions
0Dominant chains
21Different chords

Most used chords

  • Cm7×6
  • D7×3
  • Gm7×3
  • C7×3
  • Dm7♭5×3
  • B♭7×3

Key centres reached by ii–V

C minor, B♭ major, D major and E♭ major

Standards with similar changes

Similarity of the chord progression, independent of key.

TitleComposerKeyFormGroove
I Surrender Dear 23% Harry Barris C major AABA · 32 Ballad
I Should Care 20% Cahn-Stordahl-Weston C major ABAC · 32 Medium swing

Frequently asked questions

What key is Suddenly It's Spring in?

Suddenly It's Spring is usually played in B♭ major. For B♭ instruments that is C major, for E♭ instruments G major.

Who wrote Suddenly It's Spring?

Suddenly It's Spring was written by Jimmy Van-Heusen.

What is the form of Suddenly It's Spring?

Suddenly It's Spring has 4 sections (ABCA) with 32 bars in total.

How fast is Suddenly It's Spring played?

The usual groove is Medium swing.

What are the chord changes to Suddenly It's Spring?

The opening bars are Cm7 | D7 | Gm7 | C7. The full chart above can be transposed to any key.