About the song
“Changes” by David Bowie is one of the most iconic songs in the history of rock music, encapsulating the essence of the artist’s ever-evolving career. Released in 1971 as part of his album “Hunky Dory”, this track stands as a defining moment in both Bowie’s career and in the cultural landscape of the early 1970s. “Changes” is not only a reflection of the shifting tides in Bowie’s own life but also a broader commentary on the personal and societal transformations of the time.
From the outset, “Changes” captured a sense of transition, both musically and personally. The song’s lyrics express the inevitability of change and the acceptance of that change, encapsulating Bowie’s philosophy on life and art. The famous line, “I still don’t know what I was waiting for, and my time was running wild,” speaks to the feeling of uncertainty that accompanies change, but also to the excitement and liberation that comes with reinvention. This sentiment mirrors Bowie’s own trajectory as an artist—someone who was never content with staying in one place, constantly pushing the boundaries of musical genres, style, and identity.
Musically, “Changes” is a rich blend of art rock and glam rock influences, with a piano-driven melody that carries an infectious, almost wistful rhythm. The song features lush arrangements and dramatic shifts in tempo, further emphasizing the theme of change. Bowie’s vocal delivery is at once delicate and powerful, lending the song an air of both vulnerability and defiance.
The release of “Changes” occurred at a time when Bowie was transitioning from his earlier, more conventional pop songs to the more experimental and avant-garde sounds that would come to define his career. The “Hunky Dory” album itself marked a pivotal moment in Bowie’s evolution, introducing the world to the complex, multi-faceted persona that would later become synonymous with his name. The album was also the first to fully display Bowie’s mastery of blending diverse musical styles, as he mixed folk rock, art rock, and even hints of jazz to create a sound that was uniquely his own.
In terms of social impact, “Changes” resonated with a generation facing dramatic cultural shifts. The late 1960s and early 1970s were times of significant social and political upheaval, marked by civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and a countercultural push for freedom of expression. In this context, the song’s themes of personal transformation and the courage to face the unknown spoke to the anxieties and aspirations of young people at the time. For many, Bowie’s message of self-acceptance and reinvention became a powerful anthem, particularly as the world seemed to be constantly changing around them.
In addition to its social relevance, “Changes” became a symbol of Bowie’s artistic flexibility. The song was not just about personal change but about the idea of artistic evolution itself. Bowie, known for his ability to reinvent himself with each new album, became a beacon for those who saw change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and expression. Over the years, “Changes” has continued to be a favorite of fans and critics alike, often regarded as one of the most representative tracks in Bowie’s catalog.
The song’s influence extends far beyond its original release. “Changes” has been covered by various artists and remains a staple in Bowie’s live performances. Its enduring popularity can be seen in how it has been embraced by multiple generations, continuing to resonate with listeners who encounter it at different stages in their own lives. The song has also been used in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its place in pop culture history.
The lasting impact of “Changes” is a testament to David Bowie’s genius as an artist and his ability to capture the human experience through music. It reminds us that change, though sometimes uncomfortable, is inevitable and often necessary for growth. In many ways, the song itself was a reflection of Bowie’s willingness to embrace the unknown and to reinvent not just his music, but his identity. “Changes” remains a timeless anthem of transformation, offering an invitation to embrace the shifting tides of life with grace and courage.
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Lyrics
Oh, yeahMmmStill don’t know what I was waitin’ forAnd my time was runnin’ wildA million dead end streets andEvery time I thought I’d got it madeIt seemed the taste was not so sweetSo I turned myself to face meBut I’ve never caught a glimpseHow the others must see the fakerI’m much too fast to take that testCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesDon’t want to be a richer manCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesThere’s gonna have to be a different manTime may change meBut I can’t trace timeMmm, yeahI watch the ripples change their sizeBut never leave the streamOf warm impermanenceAnd so the days float through my eyesBut still the days seem the sameAnd these children that you spit onAs they try to change their worldsAre immune to your consultationsThey’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ throughCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesDon’t tell them to grow up and out of itCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesWhere’s your shame?You’ve left us up to our necks in itTime may change meBut you can’t trace timeStrange fascinations fascinate meAh, changes are takingThe pace I’m goin’ throughCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesOoh, look out, you rock ‘n’ rollersCh-ch-ch-ch-changesTurn and face the strangeCh-ch-changesPretty soon now you’re gonna get olderTime may change meBut I can’t trace timeI said that time may change meBut I can’t trace time