Changes

David Bowie, Butterfly Boucher

About Changes

"Changes" is a song by David Bowie, originally released on the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 and as a single on 7 January 1972, the day before Bowie's 25th birthday. Despite missing the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, "Changes" became one of Bowie's best-known songs. The lyrics are often seen as a manifesto for his chameleonic personality, the frequent change of the world today, and frequent reinventions of his musical style throughout the 1970s. This single has been cited as David Bowie's official North American debut, despite the fact that the song "The Man Who Sold the World" was released in North America two years prior. Changes was the last song Bowie performed live on stage before his retirement from live performances at the end of 2006. The song ranked number 128 on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It is one of four of Bowie's songs to be included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. On 27 November 2016, the Grammy Hall of Fame announced its induction, along with that of another 24 songs. It charted for the first time on the UK Singles Chart on 15 January 2016 at number 49 following Bowie's death. 


Year:
2004
3:22
124 
#2

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Oh, yeah
Mmm

Still don't know what I was waitin' for
And my time was runnin' 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
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
There's 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
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 goin' 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 fascinations fascinate me 
Ah, changes are takin'
The pace I'm goin' through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes
Ooh, 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

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David Bowie

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 - 10 January 2016), known by his stage name David Bowie ( /ˈboʊ.i/ BOH-ee), was an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the intellectual depth and considerable eclecticism of his work. more »

30 fans

Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Changes" is a song by British singer-songwriter David Bowie, originally released on his album "Hunky Dory" in December 1971 and as a single in January 1972.
Chart Performance
Despite not immediately reaching hit status upon its original release, the song eventually became one of Bowie's signature songs. It reached number 66 in the UK, but did not chart in the U.S until 1975, where it reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics and Interpretation
The song's lyrics are often seen as a manifesto for his chameleonic personality, the frequent change of the world today, and frequent reinventions of his musical style throughout the 1970s.
Musical Composition
"Changes" starts with a distinctive piano riff and includes saxophone, bass guitar, and drums. Its versatility has helped the song's popularity endure.
Cultural Impact
In 2016, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone placed "Changes" at number 127 on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Cover Versions
Over the years, several artists have released covers of "Changes." This includes a notable version by Butterfly Boucher and David Bowie himself for the animated film "Shrek 2."
Song Symbol
Bowie has said that the track started out as a parody of a nightclub song, However, the track has since become iconic and symbolic of Bowie's own stylistic transformations over the years.
Use In Media
The song has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials, including "The Breakfast Club," "Shrek 2," and "Frances Ha."
Song’s Title
The song title "Changes" perfectly encapsulates the spirit of David Bowie's career as a whole, which was marked by perpetual change and reinvention.
Popularity Amongst Fans
The song is widely recognized and loved by Bowie fans worldwide, despite its initially modest chart performance.

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    Changes

    4M
    46,426     907

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #41


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