Summary of "Behind The Song" Episode: When Bowie Turned to Face the Strange with “Changes”

In the February 19, 2025 episode of "Behind The Song," hosted by Janda Lane of The Drive | Hubbard Radio, listeners are taken on an illuminating journey into the creation and enduring legacy of David Bowie’s seminal track “Changes” from his 1971 album Hunky Dory. This episode meticulously dissects the personal and professional transformations Bowie experienced, highlighting how “Changes” became a cornerstone in his illustrious career.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

The episode opens by contextualizing David Bowie’s career up to 1971. Host Janda Lane explains that by this time, Bowie had been in the music industry for nearly seven years, achieving fame with "Space Oddity." However, despite this success, Bowie found himself at a creative impasse, with chart performance waning as he struggled to define his musical identity.

“By 1971, Bowie was almost seven years into his career. While he had established himself with Space Oddity, he had stalled out on the charts.” [00:16]

Bowie’s Evolution and America’s Influence

Bowie’s pivotal American tour in early 1971 is highlighted as a catalyst for his artistic evolution. During this tour, Bowie deliberately challenged gender norms by wearing dresses in interviews, thereby making a bold statement that set him apart from his contemporaries. This period was marked by significant interactions with influential figures such as Andy Warhol and Lou Reed, inspiring songs like “Andy Warhol” and “Queen Bitch” on Hunky Dory.

“That was also the tour where he met Andy Warhol, who inspired Bowie to write a song named after him on Hunky Dory, and Lou Reed, who inspired Queen Bitch on the same album.” [00:16-01:16]

These encounters not only enriched Bowie’s creative palette but also laid the groundwork for his connections with other forward-thinking artists like Iggy Pop, who would profoundly influence his subsequent work.

Personal Milestones: Fatherhood and Creativity

The summer of 1971 was transformative for Bowie personally, as he became a father to his son Duncan, affectionately known as Zoe. This new role is intimately connected to his songwriting, notably inspiring the track “Kooks.”

“The song Kooks on Hunky Dory is for Duncan, which is the name he goes by now, with Bowie writing for Small Z beside it on the track listing on the back cover.” [01:16-02:00]

Bowie’s transition into fatherhood provided a new depth to his music, intertwining his personal experiences with his artistic expressions.

Musical Transformation: From Guitar to Piano

A significant shift in Bowie’s songwriting approach is explored, detailing his move from the acoustic guitar to the grand piano. This change was inspired by his desire to blend theatrical and cabaret styles with the vibrant energy of musicians like Little Richard and the avant-garde sounds of the Velvet Underground.

“What would it sound like if he took the theatrical and the cabaret and mixed it up with Little Richard and the Velvet Underground, the world was about to find out.” [02:00-03:00]

Bowie’s preference for writing by ear on the piano led him to collaborate with Rick Wakeman, a seasoned session musician whose expertise was pivotal in bringing Bowie's piano-driven compositions to life on Hunky Dory.

Recording Hunky Dory: Assembling the Ensemble

Hunky Dory was recorded at Trident Studios in London during the summer of 1971. Bowie’s meticulous selection of musicians, including Rick Wakeman on piano, Mick Ronson on guitar, Woody Woodmansee on drums, and Trevor Boulder on bass and trumpet, ensured the album’s rich and diverse sound.

“Rick Wakeman’s expertise behind the keys is one of the reasons it sounds so perfect.” [05:30]

Rick Wakeman recalls Bowie’s visionary approach, stating, “this particular record will still be around and important long after you and I are gone” [05:30]. This foresight underscores Bowie’s understanding of the album’s lasting impact.

The production team, led by Ken Scott—who had previously worked with Bowie and the Beatles—played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound. Bowie’s practice of limiting takes to maintain the music’s energy is also highlighted.

“Woodmansee recalled that Bowie didn't like doing more than three takes of a song so the energy wouldn't be compromised.” [04:00]

The Anthem of Reinvention: Analyzing “Changes”

“Changes” stands as the opening track of Hunky Dory and serves as a thematic blueprint for Bowie’s future works. The song encapsulates Bowie's introspection and his resolve to continually evolve as an artist.

Key Lyrics:

"Time may change me, but I can't trace time." [03:30]

These lines reflect Bowie’s acknowledgment of the inevitability of change and his inability to reverse the passage of time. The song's narrative voice expresses a desire to embrace transformation while confronting the facade he perceives in himself.

"I turn myself to face me, but I've never caught a glimpse how the others must see the faker." [04:15]

The lyrics resonate with themes of self-examination and authenticity, addressing the pressures of maintaining one's identity amidst constant change.

"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 world are immune to your consultations." [07:45]

This verse not only captures the frustration of generational differences but also positions Bowie as a voice of understanding and solidarity with the youth, a sentiment later echoed by artists like Kurt Cobain.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

“Changes” transcended its immediate context to become an anthem for personal and societal transformation. The song's inclusion in John Hughes' The Breakfast Club amplifies its relevance, serving as a mission statement for the film’s themes of adolescent identity and change.

“John Hughes even included part of these lyrics on screen as a sort of mission statement for the movie The Breakfast Club.” [09:00]

Bowie’s relentless pursuit of reinvention, as epitomized by “Changes,” paved the way for his later alter egos such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. Each persona allowed Bowie to explore different facets of his artistry, ensuring his continual evolution and enduring appeal.

“When Bowie turned to face the strange, he became the artist he wanted to be and remained that artist until his last day on earth, ever changing.” [20:15]

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of “Changes”

The episode concludes by affirming that while Hunky Dory initially did not achieve significant commercial success, it resonated deeply with Bowie’s true audience and set the stage for his meteoric rise with The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. “Changes” remains a testament to Bowie’s visionary approach to music and his unwavering commitment to artistic freedom.

“It’s an anthem of freedom, about not going backwards, only forwards in whatever form that takes.” [19:45]

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on other transformative songs that inspire change and personal growth, drawing parallels to Bowie’s groundbreaking work.

Notable Quotes:

• Rick Wakeman on Hunky Dory:

  “This particular record will still be around and important long after you and I are gone.” [05:30]

• Bowie on Time and Change:

  “Time may change me, but I can't trace time.” [03:30]

• Host on Hunky Dory’s Impact:

  “Hunky Dory was the cornerstone for everything that would come next.” [06:30]

In essence, this episode of "Behind The Song" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of David Bowie’s “Changes,” providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of its creation, significance, and lasting influence in the realm of rock music. Through meticulous analysis and insightful commentary, Janda Lane masterfully captures the essence of Bowie’s transformative journey, celebrating an artist who truly embodied the spirit of change.