Black Sabbath

"Changes" is a ballad by British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, featured on their 1972 album Vol. 4. The song is notably different from the band's usual heavy sound, providing a softer and more emotional track centered on piano and Mellotron rather than electric guitar and powerful drums.

• Album: Vol. 4 (1972)
• Genre: Rock ballad
• Writers: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward
• Musicians:
  • Ozzy Osbourne – vocals
  • Tony Iommi – piano, Mellotron
  • Geezer Butler – bass, Mellotron
  • Bill Ward – drums (not featured on this track)

Composition & Inspiration

• The piano melody was written by guitarist Tony Iommi, who was experimenting with the instrument in the studio.
• Lyrics were written by bassist Geezer Butler, expressing heartbreak and personal loss, inspired mainly by drummer Bill Ward’s breakup with his first wife.
• The arrangement uses no guitar or drums, with orchestral sounds achieved through Mellotron synthesizers.

Lyrics Theme

"Changes" deals with the pain of losing a close relationship and the emotional transformation that follows. The lyrics convey sorrow, regret, and longing for the past. Some of its lyrics are:

I feel unhappy,
I feel so sad
I’ve lost the best friend
That I ever had
She was my woman
I loved her so
But it’s too late now
I’ve let her go
I’m going through changes.

Live Performances and Legacy

• Initially, the band rarely played "Changes" live, but it became more prominent in live sets during the 1970s and beyond.
• The song stands out as one of Black Sabbath’s few ballads and is often cited for its emotional depth.

Notable Cover Versions

• Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne (2003): Ozzy recorded a duet version with his daughter, Kelly Osbourne. This version reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and reflected their personal family bond.
• Charles Bradley: The American soul singer covered "Changes" in 2013, bringing it renewed attention through TV shows and soundtracks.
• Yungblud: In 2025, Yungblud released a charity single cover of "Changes," recorded live at a benefit concert.

Chart Performance and Cultural Impact

• The original version remains a fan favorite and is frequently rated among the band's best songs.
• The 2003 duet version charted internationally and earned certifications for its sales.

Summary Table

In Popular Culture

• Eminem sampled "Changes" for his 2010 song "Going Through Changes."
• Charles Bradley’s version has featured prominently in TV series such as Big Mouth, Black-ish, and Suits.

Summary

"Changes" is remembered for showcasing Black Sabbath's versatility, bringing emotional storytelling and a softer sound to their celebrated discography.

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