David Bowie – Changes

About the song

Released in 1971 on his pivotal album Hunky Dory, “Changes” is one of David Bowie’s most enduring, recognizable, and self-referential songs. Written by Bowie, it serves as a personal manifesto about constant evolution, artistic reinvention, and the relentless march of time. Though it didn’t become a massive chart hit upon its initial release, its timeless message and catchy piano riff quickly cemented its status as a signature Bowie track and a beloved classic. It has been widely adopted as an anthem for adaptability and the courage to embrace the unknown.

The sound and style: “Changes” is a vibrant and theatrical art-pop/glam-rock song with strong influences from cabaret and musical theatre. It’s characterized by its upbeat piano melody, dynamic shifts, and Bowie’s distinctive, chameleon-like vocal delivery. The sound is energetic, playful, and slightly grand, creating an atmosphere that is both whimsical and deeply philosophical. It showcases Bowie’s early genius for crafting catchy pop songs with intellectual depth.

Musical features:

• David Bowie’s Expressive Vocals: Bowie’s vocal performance is captivating, shifting from a clear, almost conversational tone to a more dramatic, belted delivery in the chorus. He imbues the lyrics with both an earnest sincerity and a knowing theatricality, showcasing his early vocal range and unique phrasing.
• Rick Wakeman’s Piano: The song is driven by a prominent, jaunty, and incredibly catchy piano riff played by Rick Wakeman. This piano part is central to the song’s energy and immediate recognizability.
• Saxophone and Flute: Bowie himself plays the saxophone (and possibly flute), adding a sophisticated, almost jazzy flair that is distinctive and complements the piano.
• Dynamic Buildup: The song builds effectively from the verses to the more anthemic chorus, creating a sense of escalating emotional and musical energy.
• Lively Rhythm Section: Mick Ronson’s bass and Woody Woodmansey’s drums provide a steady, swinging rhythm that propels the song forward with an infectious energy.
• Multi-layered Production: The production, typical of Hunky Dory, is rich and layered, allowing various instrumental and vocal elements to shine through clearly.

It’s whimsical, theatrical, and philosophically introspective, a catchy anthem of self-reinvention.

Lyrical themes and atmosphere:

“Ch-ch-ch-changes / Just gonna have to be a different man / Time may change me / But I can’t trace time”

The lyrics are a direct address to the concept of change itself. Bowie sings about the inevitability of change, both personally and culturally, and his own willingness (even eagerness) to embrace it. He touches on the generational divide (“Turn and face the strange / Ch-ch-changes / Don’t want to be a richer man / Just want to be a richer soul”), and the fluid nature of identity (“I’m a mama-papa coming for you”). The atmosphere is one of playful defiance, confident adaptation, and a deep understanding that life is a constant state of flux. It’s both a personal declaration and a commentary on the rapid societal shifts of the time.

Themes:

• Transformation and Reinvention: The central theme of constant personal and artistic evolution.
• Inescapability of Change: Acknowledging that change is an inherent part of life and time.
• Generational Divide: Commenting on the tension and differences between older and younger generations.
• Identity Fluidity: Exploring the idea that one’s self is not fixed but continuously developing.
• Courage to Adapt: The bravery required to embrace the unknown and not cling to the past.
• Artistic Credo: Serving as a mission statement for Bowie’s own career path.

Unlike many songs that lament change, “Changes” celebrates it with a sense of excitement and inevitability.

Legacy and impact:

• Signature Song: Became one of Bowie’s most enduring and recognizable songs, often serving as an introduction to his vast catalog.
• Anthem for Adaptability: Its message of embracing change has resonated globally, making it a popular choice for commercials, films, and moments of transition.
• Early Glam Rock / Art Pop: A foundational track in the development of both glam rock and intelligent art-pop.
• Prophetic Self-Reflection: Its lyrics eerily foreshadowed Bowie’s own decades-long career of constant reinvention and musical shifts.
• Critical Acclaim: Widely praised for its songwriting, arrangement, and thematic depth.
• Live Staple: A frequent and beloved inclusion in Bowie’s live performances throughout his career.

“Changes” is more than just a song; it’s a profound artistic statement that encapsulates the very essence of David Bowie’s genius and vision.

Final thoughts: “Changes” is a brilliant, joyful, and surprisingly profound song that captures David Bowie at a crucial point in his career. The instantly recognizable piano riff and Bowie’s wonderfully theatrical vocal delivery make it irresistible. Beyond its catchiness, the song’s lyrical exploration of constant reinvention and the inevitability of change is not only deeply personal but also remarkably prescient, setting the stage for his own legendary career. It’s a timeless anthem for anyone facing a transition, a reminder that the only constant in life is change, and sometimes, that’s simply “all we are.”

Video

Lyrics

“Changes”

Oh yeah
Mm

Still don’t know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild, a million dead-end streets and
Every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, don’t want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can’t trace time

Oh yeah

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They’re quite aware of what they’re going through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, don’t tell them to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, where’s your shame?
You’ve left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can’t trace time

Strange fascination, fascinating me
Ah, changes are taking the pace I’m going through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, oh, look out you rock ‘n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-changes, pretty soon now you’re gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can’t trace time

I said that time may change me
But I can’t trace time