The composition Changes (“Changes”), the history of which will be discussed later, did not achieve significant success in the charts. Nevertheless, it was loved by fans of David Bowie, became one of his most famous works and was later included in all collections of the best works of the famous musician.
Song History Changes – David Bowie
Bowie composed Changes at a time when significant changes were taking place in the artist’s personal life. Suffice it to say that his wife was pregnant with the first child, the birth of which he looked forward to. And although the composition is clearly not about this, the anticipation of future happiness filled her with optimism.
David recalled that he conceived Changes as a parody of the dummy tracks that sound in nightclubs. The text traces Bowie’s desire for frequent and radical changes in creativity, a desire to move away from the mainstream, rejection of conservative criticism and a philosophical attitude towards success. Lines about the difficult relationship of different generations contributed to the success of the song among the young fans of the musician.
Release and achievements
In 1972, Changes was released as a single from the Hunky Dory album. The song failed to reach the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bowie was not serious about this song and, by his own admission, was extremely surprised by its incredible success:
She turned into this monster that was constantly demanded at concerts: “D-vid, D-vid, come on Changes!” I never imagined that it would become so popular.
David performed the composition at all concerts between 1972 and 1976.
In January 2016, following Bowie’s death, the song climbed to number 49 on the UK Singles Chart.
The work is included in the list of the 500 greatest songs of all time according to the readers of the popular magazine Rolling Stone.
Clip Changes David Bowie
Let’s watch the online concert video for the song Changes – David Bowie.
Interesting Facts
- The single Changes is often cited as the singer’s North American debut, but The Man Who Sold the World was released in the US two years earlier.
- The composition was the last song that Bowie sang live from the stage before ending his concert activity in 2006.
Changes Lyrics David Bowie
Oh yeah
Mmm
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
Mmm, yeah I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you sleep 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, fascinatin’
Ah, changes are takin’
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
Changes Lyrics David Bowie
Oh yeah
Mmm
Still don’t know what I was waiting for
And my time flew by
Through millions of dead ends, and
Every time I thought I was successful
It seemed that his taste was not so sweet
I tried to look myself in the face
But I failed to understand
How Others Can Recognize a Cheat
I’m too frivolous to pass this test.
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Don’t try to get rich
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Gotta be a different person
Time can change me
But I can’t keep up with time
Mmm, yes, I watch the ripples on the water change
But never get out of the flow
Warm impermanence
Days pass before my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And the kids you spit on
When they try to change their worlds
Immunity to your recommendations
They are well aware of what they are dealing with.
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Don’t tell them to grow up and outgrow it
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Shame on you!
You threw us up to our necks in this
Time can change me
But I can’t keep up with time
A strange charm captivates me
Ah, change is gaining momentum
And they touch me
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Oh watch out rock and roll
P-p-p-change
Turn around and face the unknown
P-p-change
Very soon you will be old
Time can change me
But I can’t keep up with time
I said time can change me
But I can’t keep up with time
