David Bowie was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His unique style and innovative approach to music made him a legend in the industry, and his songs continue to inspire artists around the globe. One of Bowie’s most iconic songs is “Changes,” which has become an anthem for individualism and self-expression. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the song “Changes,” including who originally recorded it and how it has evolved over time.
Who originally recorded “Changes”?
David Bowie originally recorded “Changes” for his 1971 album Hunky Dory. The song was released as a single on 7 January 1972 by RCA Records. The track was written by Bowie, and he is credited with producing the song alongside Ken Scott.
At the time of its release, “Changes” was not a major commercial success. It only made it to the 49th spot on the UK Singles Chart, and it did not chart at all in the US. However, over time, the song has become one of Bowie’s most beloved tracks, and it has been covered by dozens of artists throughout the years.
What is the origin of the song’s lyrics?
“Changes” is a song about personal transformation and evolution. The lyrics appear to be autobiographical, with Bowie reflecting on his own career and the changes he has experienced as an artist and as a human being. Some of the lyrics touch on the struggles Bowie faced as a young musician, including his desire to break away from the trends and conventions of the music industry:
“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”
The song’s message of individualism and non-conformity struck a chord with audiences, and it has continued to resonate with listeners over the years.
Cover versions of “Changes”
Since its release in 1972, “Changes” has been covered by numerous artists from a variety of different genres. One of the most popular cover versions of the song was performed by Ozzy Osbourne, who recorded a heavy metal version of the track for his 1992 album, “Live & Loud.”
Other notable covers include versions by Charles Bradley, Butterfly Boucher, and Carla Bruni. The song has even been covered by Guns N’ Roses, who included a live performance of “Changes” on their 1999 album, “Live Era ’87-’93.”
Conclusion
“Changes” is one of David Bowie’s most beloved songs, and it has become an anthem for individualism and personal transformation. The track was originally released as a single in 1972, and it has since been covered by numerous artists from a variety of genres. The song’s message of non-conformity has continued to inspire listeners over the years, and it serves as a testament to Bowie’s influence on the music industry as a whole.
FAQ
Was David Bowie in Shrek?
David Bowie was not physically in the animated movie Shrek, but his music made an appearance. The song “Changes” by Bowie was covered by Butterfly Boucher, featuring Bowie on additional vocals, and was used in the film Shrek 2. The song played during a montage of scenes in which Shrek and his newlywed wife, Fiona, enjoyed their honeymoon and eventually returned home to find their land being ruled by Prince Charming.
The use of “Changes” in Shrek 2 was a nod to Bowie’s significant influence on popular culture and his longtime status as a music icon. Bowie’s music has been featured in other films and television shows throughout the years, including Martin Scorsese’s The Departed and Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. Although Bowie may not have made a physical appearance in Shrek, his musical legacy continues to be celebrated through his timeless and iconic songs.
What song famously used within the first Back to the Future film was written specifically for the movie?
The first Back to the Future film, released in 1985, was a groundbreaking success both in terms of its storyline and the technical aspects that made it an instant classic. The film featured a memorable blend of sci-fi, action, and comedy, which made it stand out as a unique and timeless piece of cinema. One of the many components that contributed to the film’s success was the music used in it, particularly the opening track, “The Power of Love.”
However, “The Power of Love” was not the only song that made an impact in the film. “Back In Time,” another upbeat and catchy tune by Huey Lewis and the News, was written specifically for the movie. Huey Lewis and the News contributed various songs to the soundtrack, including “The Power of Love,” which became the film’s signature tune. According to reports, film director Robert Zemeckis had initially approached Huey Lewis and the News to write a song for the film’s opening sequence. Huey Lewis, however, declined the offer citing a busy schedule.
In came Chris Hayes, the guitarist, and Huey Lewis’s friend who proceeded to play Zemeckis and composer Alan Silvestri a melody that he had come up with. The melody later evolved into the song “Back In Time.” It was an upbeat track that perfectly captured the 80s pop/rock sound and had lyrics that spoke directly to the film’s themes and motifs. The song featured prominently in the film’s opening sequence, which set the tone for the entire movie.
“Back In Time” was not only a hit in the movie but went on to become a chart-topping track, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1985. The song’s success helped fuel the film’s success, and they were both inextricably linked as cultural phenomena of the 1980s. “The Power of Love” and “Back In Time” remain popular tracks to this day and serve as a reminder of the timeless appeal of Back to the Future and its cultural significance.
What song is Changes sampled from?
‘Changes’ is a hip-hop song recorded by the legendary rapper 2Pac, which was released in 1998, two years after his untimely death. The song features lyrics that deal with issues such as racism, police brutality, and social inequality, and has become one of the late rapper’s most iconic tracks.
The main sample used in ‘Changes’ is from the song ‘The Way It Is’, recorded by Bruce Hornsby and the Range, and released in 1986. ‘The Way It Is’ is a popular rock song that features Hornsby’s distinctive piano playing and poignant lyrics that address social issues such as inequality and racism. The song became a massive hit in the 80s, and has since been covered and sampled by a variety of artists.
In ‘Changes’, 2Pac effectively aligns the themes and lyrics of ‘The Way It Is’ with his own experiences and observations of the world. The song features Hornsby’s piano at the start and throughout the chorus, forming the backbone of the beat. The lyrics of ‘Changes’ directly reference ‘The Way It Is’, with 2Pac’s verses offering commentary on some of the issues that Hornsby addressed in his song.
In addition to ‘The Way It Is’, ‘Changes’ also samples 2Pac’s own ‘I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto’, which was released posthumously in 1997. The combination of the two samples creates a powerful and emotive backing track that perfectly complements 2Pac’s lyrics and message.
‘Changes’ is a prime example of how sampling can be used creatively and effectively to pay homage to past artists and create something new and powerful. The use of ‘The Way It Is’ in 2Pac’s song not only helps to introduce new generations of listeners to Hornsby’s music but also serves to highlight the enduring relevance of the themes and concerns that both songs address.
What TV show had the theme song Changes?
The TV show that had the theme song Changes is Big Mouth. The animated sitcom, created by Nick Kroll, features a group of 7th graders going through puberty and the challenges that come with it. The show has received critical acclaim for its honest and comedic portrayal of adolescence.
The theme song, titled “Changes,” is performed by the late American soul singer Charles Bradley. The song was released in 2016 and received positive reviews from music critics for Bradley’s captivating vocals and the song’s message of personal growth and acceptance.
Interestingly, the show almost had a different theme song. Kroll originally wanted to use a Queen song, but the band’s management declined the request. Kroll then discovered Bradley’s “Changes” and felt it perfectly captured the spirit of the show.
“Changes” has become an integral part of Big Mouth’s identity and sets the tone for the quirky and relatable coming-of-age stories depicted in each episode.
What movie is David Bowie Heroes from?
“Heroes” is a song by David Bowie, released in 1977. It was produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti and written by Bowie and Brian Eno. The song was initially released as a single, and later included on the album “Heroes” the same year.
The song’s name was inspired by Bowie’s producer and friend, Tony Visconti, who saw a couple kissing outside the Berlin Wall and called them heroes. The wall still existed when the song was released, and the song became an anthem of sorts about the wall eventually coming down.
Since its release, “Heroes” has been featured in various movies, TV shows, advertisements, and more. Bowie’s original was featured in the film The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) and in the premiere trailer for the Brazilian film Praia do Futuro (2014).
Five years later, “‘Helden'” was played at the end of Jojo Rabbit, a 2019 satirical black comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi. The film is set during World War II and follows a young boy in Nazi Germany who finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
“Heroes” by David Bowie is a timeless song and one of his most famous works. Its message of love, hope, and perseverance has resonated with people for decades, and its presence in various movies and media is a testament to its lasting impact on popular culture.