We’re loving our mixed tape of great songs all about change from within and change from without.
Track 1. “Everybody Ought to Make a Change” (Single) — Eric Clapton, Money and Cigarettes, 1983

This sleepy John Estes cover reflects a transformation for Eric Clapton. After finally facing the music and admitting he had a drinking problem, Clapton gave up alcohol cold turkey. Money and Cigarettes was his debut as a new man, and this opening track reflects not only the changes in his personal life but a fresh start professionally with a new band.

Track 2. “See the Changes” (Single) — Crosby, Stills & Nash, CSN, 1977

After the departure of Neil Young and a long hiatus from recording and performing, Crosby, Stills & Nash resurfaced with CSN. Stephen Stills penned this song while he was having problems in his marriage. The lyrics speak to witnessing how a partner handles seeing you change and transform from the super star that you were to this older, distant companion.

Track 3. “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)” (Single) — Hank Williams, The Ultimate Collection, 2002

Hank provides a heartfelt plea from a man to his spouse, begging her to change her ways. He is tired of it all: the nagging, their arguing, and her running home to daddy when she gets mad. His ultimatum? Change, baby, change, or I’m out the door.

Track 4. “100 Years” (Single) — Five for Fighting, The Battle for Everything, 2004

This wistful and slightly haunting song follows the story of one man’s journey from age 15 to 99, with each era in between referenced as just “a moment.” From a young buck and young lover to father then grandfather, the singer paints a picture of times that were simpler, full of unknown possibility, and so very fleeting.

Track 5. “Changes (Live)” (Single) — Ozzy Osbourne, Live & Loud, 1993

This is not your typical Ozzy track; it was the first time that Black Sabbath ventured out of the heavy metal genre and offered up a melodic and deeply sensitive ballad. The song was inspired by thendrummer Bill Ward’s ongoing divorce but could have easily been about all of the other changes that Black Sabbath members were going through after their move to L.A., including their subsequent drug and alcohol addictions and the eventual end of the original band. Ozzy would later re-record the song in 2003 as a duet with daughter Kelly, reworking the lyrics to reflect their lives together and how that too was destined to change.