Behind The Song: When Bowie Turned to Face the Strange with “Changes”
Podcast: Behind The Song
Host: Janda Lane
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Duration: Approx. 15 minutes
Introduction
In this episode of Behind The Song, hosted by Janda Lane of The Drive | Hubbard Radio, the focus is on David Bowie’s seminal track “Changes” from his fourth album, Hunky Dory. The episode delves into the artistic evolution Bowie underwent during this period, the creation of the song, its lyrical depth, and its enduring impact on both Bowie’s career and the broader music landscape.
Bowie's Career Before Hunky Dory
At the outset, Janda Lane sets the stage by outlining Bowie’s career up to the release of Hunky Dory. Despite having a breakthrough with “Space Oddity,” Bowie’s career was plateauing, and he was often mislabeled, particularly as a folk musician. This mischaracterization was a catalyst for Bowie’s transformation.
“It took David Bowie until his fourth album to find his footing as an artist. Hunky Dory is a collection of songs written after he realized that he wasn't really one thing or another when it came to musical styles.”
— Behind The Song [00:16]
Transformation During the American Tour
Bowie’s pivotal trip to America marked a significant turning point in his artistic journey. The exposure to different musical influences and avant-garde figures like Andy Warhol and Lou Reed inspired Bowie to transcend his previous musical boundaries. This period was instrumental in shaping the eclectic sound of Hunky Dory.
“It took his first trip to America to change the way he approached his songwriting, and when he returned home to England after that US tour, he sat down at the piano to give a voice to the musical styles colliding within him.”
— Behind The Song [00:16]
Recording Hunky Dory
Upon returning to England, Bowie embraced a new musical direction, opting to write on an old grand piano instead of his acoustic guitar. This shift allowed him to blend theatricality, cabaret, elements of Little Richard, and the proto-punk vibes of the Velvet Underground. Collaborating with top-tier musicians like Rick Wakeman, who Bowie chose for his ability to realize his musical vision, significantly enhanced the album's quality.
“Rick Wakeman's expertise behind the keys is one of the reasons it sounds so perfect.”
— Behind The Song [02:08]
The album also introduced key members who would form the nucleus of the Spiders From Mars band, including Mick Ronson, Woody Woodmansey, and Trevor Bolder, solidifying the foundation for Bowie’s future projects.
The Significance of “Changes”
“Changes” serves as an anthem of personal and artistic transformation. Janda Lane emphasizes that the song encapsulates Bowie’s resolve to continually reinvent himself, a trait that defined his illustrious career. The lyrics reflect a profound introspection and a commitment to embracing the unknown.
“Changes Turn and face the strange don't want to be a richer man there's gonna have to be a different man.”
— Behind The Song [04:30]
Lyrics Analysis
The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the song’s lyrics, highlighting themes of self-identity, transformation, and the passage of time. Bowie’s introspective lines resonate with listeners, offering a voice to the feelings of uncertainty and the desire for change.
Key Lyrics:
“Time may change me
But I can't trace time”
— Behind The Song [07:15]
These lines encapsulate the inevitability of change and the impossibility of reversing time, reinforcing the song’s message of moving forward despite uncertainties.
Janda also connects the song’s influence to later cultural works, such as John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, where “Changes” serves as a mission statement reflecting teenage angst and the quest for identity.
“In Changes made way for Kurt Cobain to write 'I got a new complaint, forever in debt to your priceless advice' in Nirvana's 'Heart-Shaped Box,' two ways of saying no thanks, I got this.”
— Behind The Song [09:50]
Impact and Legacy of “Changes”
While Hunky Dory did not achieve significant commercial success initially, “Changes” resonated deeply with Bowie’s true audience. The song became a cornerstone for his subsequent work, paving the way for the creation of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. This album catapulted Bowie into superstardom, establishing him as a chameleon of the music world.
“With Hunky Dory, Bowie embraced the very thing that would define him for the rest of his iconic career: change.”
— Behind The Song [12:00]
“Changes” is portrayed not just as a song, but as Bowie’s personal manifesto for artistic reinvention and fearless exploration of new creative territories.
Conclusion
Janda Lane concludes by reflecting on Bowie’s enduring legacy, underscoring how “Changes” was instrumental in shaping his path as an ever-evolving artist. The song remains an anthem of freedom and forward momentum, embodying Bowie’s relentless pursuit of innovation and self-expression.
“When Bowie turned to face the strange on the song 'Changes,' he became the artist he wanted to be and remained that artist until his last day on earth, ever changing.”
— Behind The Song [14:30]
The episode wraps up by inviting listeners to ponder other transformative songs, maintaining engagement and encouraging reflection on the power of music to inspire change.
Notable Quotes
- Janda Lane [00:16]: “It took David Bowie until his fourth album to find his footing as an artist...”
- Rick Wakeman [02:08]: “This particular record will still be around and important long after you and I are gone.”
- Janda Lane [04:30]: “Changes Turn and face the strange don’t want to be a richer man...”
- Janda Lane [09:50]: “In Changes made way for Kurt Cobain to write...”
- Janda Lane [12:00]: “With Hunky Dory, Bowie embraced the very thing that would define him...”
- Janda Lane [14:30]: “When Bowie turned to face the strange on the song 'Changes,' he became the artist he wanted to be...”
Final Thoughts
Behind The Song masterfully dissects “Changes,” offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its creation, meaning, and lasting impact. For fans of David Bowie or those intrigued by the transformative power of music, this episode provides valuable insights into one of rock history’s most pivotal songs.
Special thanks to Christian Lane for the music featured in this episode. Stay tuned for more deep dives into classic rock’s timeless tunes.