Introduction
“Things Change” is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Dwight Yoakam. Released on May 27, 1998, it served as the lead single from his album A Long Way Home. The track showcases Yoakam’s signature blend of traditional country and rock influences, reflecting on the inevitability of change in life and relationships.
The song achieved commercial success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in July 1998.
Critically acclaimed, Deborah Evans Price of Billboard praised it as “a well-written treatise on the mercurial nature of relationships—nicely set against a backdrop of tasty guitar riffs.”
The accompanying music video, directed by Yoakam himself, premiered in May 1998, further highlighting his multifaceted talents as both a musician and visual storyteller.
“Things Change” is part of the album A Long Way Home, released on June 9, 1998. This album marked a return to a more traditional country sound for Yoakam, featuring entirely self-written tracks. The album reached number 11 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, with “Things Change” being its most successful single.
The song’s lyrics delve into the bittersweet nature of change, illustrating how time shapes our experiences and relationships. It tells the story of two friends who navigate the ups and downs of life together, only to eventually grow apart. The chorus reinforces the central theme, stating, “Things change, that’s the way it goes. Time will fly, the river flows. Seasons always change, but not the love I know.”
Overall, “Things Change” encapsulates the beauty and inevitability of change. With heartfelt lyrics and Yoakam’s soulful delivery, the song continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding us all to embrace the transformations that life brings.