David Bowie

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh yeah
Mmm

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
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

[Interlude]
Oh yeah

[Verse 2]
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
[Chorus]
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

[Bridge]
Strange fascination, fascinating me
Ah, changes are taking the pace I'm going through

[Chorus]
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

[Outro]
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time

To talk about Changes by David Bowie, we have to start by recognizing its importance and the influence it had on music history. Despite not being one of the biggest hits of the artist, the song helped to shape and define Bowie's career, bringing elements that would be present in his work for years to come. Changes, with its unique style and lyrics, is a must-listen for anyone who wants to get to know more about Bowie's music and legacy.

About Changes

Changes is a song that was originally released in 1971, as a part of the iconic album Hunky Dory. Written by Bowie, Changes is a track that stands out, even in an album with such exceptional tunes. The song has a memorable combination of piano and sax, which creates an unusual yet beautiful sound, something that Bowie became known for over his career.

Despite its critical success, Changes didn't perform well on the charts, reaching only #49 in the UK. However, its importance in Bowie's work is undeniable. The song is frequently included in best-of compilations such as Changesonebowie, which is, after all, named after the track.

Changes talks about the need for transformation and acceptance of change. The line "time may change me, but I can't trace time" became one of the song's most memorable and quoted lyrics, expressing the idea that people evolve, and we can't always control how it happens, but we have to embrace it. Bowie's voice and delivery in this song of acceptance and hope have made it enduringly popular over the years.

The powerful opening piano chords immediately set the tone for this song, which is full of passion, emotion, and heart. Bowie's words throughout the song manage to speak to the listener deeply and innately, making Changes one of those incredible songs that stay with you long after you've heard them. Whether you're an old fan of Bowie or someone who has never heard his work, this is a song you have to listen to.

One of the most impressive aspects of Changes is its ability to showcase Bowie's artistic development as a musician and performer. The song reflects both the originality of his early work and the growth that characterized his later albums. The variety of instruments and melodies used in Changes helps to convey the sense of change that is the central message of the song.

Over the years, Changes has become one of Bowie's most beloved songs. Its importance has been recognized by various publications, such as Rolling Stone magazine, which ranked it 128th in their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has appeared in various movies and series, such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Doctor Who," making it an all-time classic that has stood the test of time.

It is hard to understate the significance of Changes in David Bowie's career and music genre. Its status as one of Bowie's most extraordinary and remarkable songs is widely appreciated by music critics and fans alike. The song's themes of change, hope, and acceptance continue to inspire all those who listen to it, making it an essential track in music history.

If you haven't listened to Changes yet, make sure to take some time to do so. Bowie's legacy continues to be felt today, and Changes is one of the songs that helped to cement it, showcasing the power of music as an art form that can touch the soul.

• Release Date: January 7, 1972
• Artist: David Bowie