Changes

Neil Young's song 'Changes' is a poetic exploration of the inevitable and constant nature of change. The lyrics invite the listener to sit close and share in memories, creating an intimate atmosphere that sets the stage for a reflective journey. The imagery of changing seasons, from green leaves in summer to their eventual decay, serves as a metaphor for the cycles of life and the passage of time. This natural progression underscores the theme that change is an inescapable part of existence, something that everyone must face and accept.

The song delves into personal memories, with Young reminiscing about his youth and the warmth of those times. However, upon returning to these memories, he finds that they have been altered by the 'vines of changes.' This suggests that even our most cherished memories are not immune to the effects of time and transformation. The world's chaotic and unpredictable nature is highlighted by the line 'The world's spinning madly,' emphasizing that change is not just a personal experience but a universal one.

Young also touches on the fleeting nature of magical moments and the transient quality of emotions. The 'golden drops of dawn' sweeping away the fears of the night symbolize how quickly moments of clarity and peace can dissipate. The metaphor of being 'puppets to the silver strings of souls' suggests that we are all subject to forces beyond our control, further reinforcing the theme of change as an omnipresent force. The song concludes with a poignant farewell, symbolizing the end of a chapter and the beginning of another, as the rolling river shores of change continue to shape our lives.