Changes

"Changes" by 2Pac is a powerful and poignant social commentary on the persistent issues faced by African Americans. The song delves into themes of systemic racism, police brutality, poverty, and gang violence. Tupac's lyrics paint a grim picture of life in the ghetto, where the struggle for survival often leads to desperate measures. He expresses a feeling of hopelessness and frustration, encapsulated in the opening lines where he questions if life is worth living. The recurring phrase, 'I see no changes,' underscores the lack of progress in achieving racial equality and social justice.

The song is not entirely devoid of hope, however. Amidst the despair, Tupac calls for a change in mindset and action. He urges his community to stop the infighting and to 'start makin' changes' by learning to see each other as brothers and sharing with one another. There is a tension throughout the song between the pessimistic view that 'some things will never change' and the aspirational call to 'make a change'. This duality reflects the complex reality of fighting for a better future while being constantly confronted by deeply entrenched societal problems. The song's reference to Huey P. Newton, a founder of the Black Panther Party, serves as a reminder of the long and often violent struggle for Black liberation.

The song begins with a stark and introspective question, as the narrator contemplates the value of his life in a world that seems unchanged. He feels the weight of being Black and poor, a combination that leads to desperation and crime, symbolized by the impulse to snatch a purse. There's a deep-seated cynicism towards law enforcement, with the narrator feeling that the police are indifferent to the death of a Black person, even viewing it as heroic. The lyrics touch upon the systemic issues that perpetuate a cycle of violence, suggesting that providing drugs and guns to the community is a way to ensure they destroy each other. There's a reference to the Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, whose death underscores the danger of fighting back. Despite the violence and internal conflict, there's a call for unity and brotherhood, a plea to see each other as brothers rather than strangers. The narrator expresses a nostalgic longing for the innocence of childhood before things became so complicated.

The chorus, which samples Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is," serves as a recurring acknowledgment of the harsh realities, a resigned acceptance that some things may never change. However, this is contrasted with a spoken-word interlude that explicitly calls for change. This part of the song urges people to alter their lifestyles, their diets, and how they treat one another, emphasizing that the old ways are not working and that survival depends on this transformation.

The second verse continues the theme of a world filled with racism and misplaced hate. The narrator wonders what it will take to create a better world and points out the hypocrisy of a society where both Black and white people use drugs, yet the only time there is a semblance of peace is when they are killing each other. This is immediately followed by a call for healing. The song also touches on the idea of a Black president, suggesting that society isn't ready for such a change, highlighting the deeply ingrained racism. The allure of the drug game as a means of survival is presented as a difficult cycle to break, questioning the choices a mother has when faced with such limited options. The pressure to make money, even through illicit means, is portrayed as a grim reality.

The final verse revisits the theme of self-defense and the constant need to be on guard. The narrator feels he must stay armed and can never relax due to the fear of retaliation for past actions. This creates a sense of being trapped in a violent cycle. The sound of gunshots, 'rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat,' is mimicked, followed by the resigned phrase, "that's the way it is." The song concludes with the central message that while some things seem immutable, there is a desperate need to strive for change, a message that is both a plea and a challenge to the listener.

"Changes" was originally recorded by 2Pac in 1992 during his time with Interscope Records, with the initial production handled by Big D The Impossible (Deon Evans). The song was not released at the time and was later remixed by Poke of Trackmasters in 1998 for 2Pac's posthumous Greatest Hits album. This remixed version, which is the most widely known, was released as a single on October 13, 1998. The song prominently samples the 1986 hit "The Way It Is" by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The chorus of "The Way It Is" was re-sung by the R&B group Talent for "Changes." Bruce Hornsby has stated that he was notified of the sample's use via a cassette sent to him and that he approved of its use, impressed by 2Pac's creativity and the song's profound message. Some of the lyrics in "Changes" were reused from another 2Pac song, "I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto," which was also recorded in 1992 but released posthumously in 1997. The original 1992 version of "Changes" had a different feel, including samples from Run DMC's "It's Like That" and Ice Cube's "Us".

"Changes" follows a relatively consistent rhyme scheme within its verses, often using couplets (AABB) and near rhymes to create a driving, narrative flow. 2Pac's rhythmic delivery is a key element of the song, often syncopating his lyrics against the steady, mid-tempo beat. This interplay between his vocal rhythm and the underlying musical rhythm creates a sense of urgency and passion. The rhythm of the song is largely dictated by the sampled drum loop from Strafe's 1984 song "Set It Off". The consistent tempo and beat provide a foundation for Tupac's lyrical exploration of complex social issues. The chorus, with its more melodic and smoother rhythm, offers a brief respite from the intensity of the verses, creating a powerful contrast. The song is a prime example of how hip-hop can blend conversational, rhythmic speech with musicality to create a compelling and thought-provoking piece.

2Pac employs a range of stylistic techniques in "Changes" to deliver his powerful message. His vocal delivery is characterized by a raw, emotional, and rhythmic flow that adds authenticity to his words. The song's structure alternates between verses of poignant social commentary and a melodic, sampled chorus, creating a dynamic listening experience.

Literary devices are abundant in the lyrics. Tupac uses rhetorical questions to engage the listener and provoke thought, such as, 'Is life worth living should I blast myself?' He uses allusion, most notably in his reference to Huey P. Newton, to provide historical context to the ongoing struggle. There is also a powerful use of irony, for instance, when he says, 'Pull the trigger, kill a nigga, he's a hero,' to critique police brutality and the dehumanization of Black men. The use of onomatopoeia in 'rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat' vividly imitates the sound of gunfire, bringing the reality of violence to the forefront. Assonance is used effectively in lines like, 'misplaced hate makes disgrace to races,' creating a memorable and impactful rhythm.

"Changes" is one of 2Pac's most iconic and enduring songs, and it has had a significant cultural impact since its posthumous release. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a number-one hit in several countries, including Norway and the Netherlands. It received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2000, making it the only posthumous song to be nominated in that category. "Changes" is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap songs of all time. Its powerful social commentary has resonated with generations of listeners and has been a source of inspiration for many artists. The song has been covered and interpolated by various artists, including Polo G in his 2020 song "Wishing for a Hero". Its message remains incredibly relevant, and the song is often cited in discussions about social justice, racism, and inequality. The song solidified 2Pac's status as a social commentator and a voice for the voiceless.

"Changes" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its social commentary. The central metaphor of 'war' is used to describe both the violence on the streets and the systemic oppression faced by the Black community. Tupac juxtaposes the 'war on the streets' with the 'war in the Middle East,' suggesting a parallel in the level of violence and turmoil. He also critiques the 'war on drugs,' framing it as a 'war on the poor' and a tool for police harassment.

The reference to Huey P. Newton is highly symbolic. Newton, a founder of the Black Panther Party, represents the revolutionary struggle for Black liberation. His death, mentioned in the lyrics, symbolizes the suppression of radical change and the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo. The phrase 'two shots in the dark' can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically, suggesting a clandestine and unjust killing.

The act of 'sellin' crack to the kids' is used as a stark image of the desperate economic conditions that force individuals into destructive behaviors for survival. Tupac presents this with a sense of tragic irony, as a way to have 'one less hungry mouth on the welfare'. This highlights the vicious cycle of poverty and crime.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "Changes" is 'I see no changes,' which opens the first two verses and is a central theme of the song. This repetition emphasizes the feeling of stagnation and the lack of progress in addressing systemic racism and poverty. It serves as a powerful indictment of a society that has failed to live up to its ideals.

The chorus, which repeats the line 'That's just the way it is,' is another crucial recurring motif. This phrase, borrowed from the Bruce Hornsby sample, represents a sense of resignation and acceptance of a harsh reality. However, it is also presented with a hint of irony, as the song's overall message is a call to reject this status quo. The juxtaposition of this phrase with Tupac's call to 'start makin' changes' creates a central tension in the song.

The theme of violence is a recurring motif, with references to guns, killing, and the 'war on the streets'. This is contrasted with the recurring call for peace and unity among Black people, highlighting the internal and external conflicts at the heart of the song.