About the song
“Changes” is one of the lesser-known yet deeply poignant tracks by the legendary Jimi Hendrix, originally released in 1970. The song appeared posthumously on his album “The Cry of Love”, which was compiled from various recordings Hendrix made in the months leading up to his untimely death in September of the same year. While Jimi Hendrix is often remembered for his electric guitar mastery and his revolutionary contributions to rock music, “Changes” highlights a more introspective side of the artist, showcasing his emotional depth and vulnerability.
In “Changes,” Hendrix grapples with the inevitable transformations in life—whether personal, societal, or emotional. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of melancholy and resignation, exploring themes of loss, growth, and the passage of time. Unlike many of his other works, which are full of fiery energy and defiant exuberance, “Changes” presents a more subdued, reflective tone. The lyrical content resonates with listeners on a deeper level, conveying the universal experience of having to adjust to life’s unpredictable shifts.
The song itself is marked by its gentle rhythm and smooth acoustic-driven arrangement, which contrasts with the often frenetic and virtuosic playing for which Hendrix is famous. His voice, too, is quieter and more measured than usual, expressing a vulnerable honesty that feels raw and unfiltered. This vulnerability is accentuated by the poignant instrumentation, which is both minimalist and emotionally evocative. The track’s mood is one of introspection, as if Hendrix is contemplating the inevitability of change and the bittersweet nature of life’s transitory moments.
“Changes” was not a commercial hit when it was first released, but it has since gained recognition as a significant piece in Hendrix’s discography. While the song may not have the same level of notoriety as his iconic tracks like “Purple Haze” or “Hey Joe”, it has become a favorite among his fans for its emotional depth and the vulnerability it reveals about his state of mind during the final years of his life. It’s a track that demonstrates the breadth of Hendrix’s artistry, offering a stark contrast to his more well-known, electrifying performances.
From a societal impact perspective, “Changes” also serves as a reflection of the turbulent times in which it was created. The late 1960s and early 1970s were marked by significant social and political upheaval—the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and widespread cultural shifts. Hendrix himself had always been a figure of immense cultural influence, particularly among young people, and “Changes” offers an introspective commentary on the personal and collective challenges people faced during this period. The track captures the uncertainty and disillusionment that many felt in the aftermath of the 1960s, making it resonate with the cultural moment of the early 1970s.
The emotional resonance of “Changes” has continued to impact listeners over the years. It has been interpreted as both a reflection of Hendrix’s own struggles—in his personal life and in the face of his own untimely death—and as a timeless anthem for anyone experiencing the inevitability of change. It remains a poignant reminder that even in times of great upheaval and personal turmoil, there is beauty to be found in the process of change, however painful it may be.
While “Changes” may not be as widely recognized as some of Hendrix’s other classics, it stands as a testament to his artistic complexity and emotional depth. It serves as a bridge between his earlier, more energetic works and the quieter, more reflective side of his music that emerged in his final years. The song’s subtle beauty, combined with its emotional gravity, makes it a hidden gem in Hendrix’s catalog, one that continues to resonate with listeners today. Through “Changes,” Jimi Hendrix proved that his genius extended far beyond his virtuosic guitar playing, encapsulating the raw emotion and depth of a life in constant flux.
Video
Lyrics
Jimi:“Buddy Miles is goin’ to do something he wrote called ‘them changes'”Well my mind is goin’ through them changesI feel just like I’m in the timeEvery time you see me goin’ some whereI feel like I’m going out of my mind, yeahOh, my baby she left me the other dayAnd we were have so much fun yeah, yeahOh, my baby she stepped out on meAnd that’s the reason why she had to partIt’s alright yeah yeahIt’s alrightWhat I sayIt’s alrightOoo hoooWell my mind is goin’ through them changesI think I’m goin’ out of my mindEvery time you see me goin’ some whereI think I could commit a crime knowShe had me runnin’She had me cryin’She had me runnin’She had me had me had me cryin’She had me runnin’She had me cryin’She had me runnin’Had me cryin’It’s alright yeah yeahIt’s alrightClap your handsGo clap your handsCan you clap a little louderIt’s alrightIt’s alrightEverything goin’ to be alrightIt’s alrightIt’s alrightIt’s alrightIt’s alrightIt’s alrightYeahYeahEverybody yeahYeahYeahYeahYeahYeah!Yeah!Yeah!Yeah!Yeah!Yeah!!!Yeah!!!Yeah!!!Oh noI want my loveI want my loveI want my loveIt’s alrightWhaaIt’s alright he heIt’s alrightJimi:“Buddy Miles there”