Inspiration Behind Changes:
While drummer Alan White wrote the passage at the beginning of Changes and led singer Jon Anderson contributed some lyrics, Trevor Rabin is the main composer. Changes is essentially the journey that Trevor experienced trying to break into the music industry. This South African songwriter, guitarist, and producer bounced around with Cinema, Foreigner and Yes, with many telling Trevor what they wanted him to do. After moving to America, Trevor was depressed as these emotions are expressed within this classic Yes song.
Biblical Application:
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:15-18.
Exegesis of Changes:
I’m moving through some changes
I’ll never be the same
Something you did touched me
There’s no one else to blame
Trevor could be referring to an opportunity that he passed on. Members of the band Foreigner wanted him to write songs that fit the genre and style of their band. Despite rejecting their offer, perhaps Trevor began to realize that he had potential and a bright future in America.
The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
We’ve given up pretending
As if you didn’t care
Trevor is either referring to a past relationship in South Africa or about former band members prior to his departure.
Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes
Trevor had 3 opportunities with bands: Cinema, Foreigner and Yes. As one member is asked to leave, this opens the door for a new member to take their place. Perhaps, this is the good fortune that Trevor is writing about.
I look into the mirror
I see no happiness
All the warmth I gave you
Has turned to emptiness
The tone of this stanza reflects the depression that Trevor was dealing with when he wrote Changes. The lyrics suggest a lack of happiness within the band or within his own life.
The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
You’ve left me here believing
In love that wasn’t there
Trevor appears to be referring to a relationship with another woman. Then again, the remark about you left me here believing could be a promise a band made to him that was never kept.
Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word can bring you round
Changes
Trevor mentions the concept of becoming grounded. I’m not sure if he’s thinking about staying humble, realistic or if he’s referring to the principle you reap what you sow. While you endure changes in your life, watch what you do or say so that you don’t regret this.
But when I look into your eyes
And try to find out how
There’s no way to save it now
And everything I feel
Changes
Keep looking for
Changes, changes
Changes can be good and healthy for you as long as you learn from your past mistakes.
For some reason you’re questioning why
I always believe it gets better
One difference between you and I
Your heart is inside your head
Trevor sings about a relationship where this individual is emotionally unstable, wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Trevor is learning about himself during this time of transition.
One word from you, one word from me
A clear design on your liberty
Who could believe when love has gone
How we move on like everyone
Relationships change as people change. When someone wants their freedom, Trevor has reached a point in his life where he’s willing to walk away by moving on with his life.
Only such fools
Only such jealous hearts
Only through love changes come
Jealousy and immaturity has a way of ending relationships. Yet, the love inside of one person can alter the course of a relationship, holding things together.
Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes
Seize the moments and opportunities that you have in life.
One road to loneliness
It’s always the same
One road to happiness
It’s calling your name
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word, one word can bring you round
Changes
As you go through changes in life, you can become depressed or develop a more positive outlook on life. The choice of how you handle change is up to you.
Final Thoughts:
At the start of any New Year, it’s important to take an assessment of where you are in life. During this time of reflection, you may feel compelled to reach out to someone from your past either to apologize or just catch up with. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “success is the process of arriving, not actually arriving.” Maintaining this outlook on life prevents apathy and overconfidence. Change is good as long as you continue to evolve by drawing closer to God,
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 