changes

"changes" by XXXTENTACION is a poignant and deeply personal ballad that explores the themes of heartbreak, confusion, and the painful evolution within a romantic relationship. The lyrics articulate the artist's struggle to come to terms with a partner who is transforming in a way that he finds incomprehensible and deeply hurtful. The central message revolves around the emotional damage inflicted when one person in a relationship changes, leaving the other feeling lost and unable to cope with the new dynamic. Many listeners and critics believe the song is autobiographical, potentially referencing XXXTENTACION's tumultuous relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Geneva Ayala, although he never publicly confirmed this. The song's raw vulnerability and minimalist approach allow the listener to connect with the universal feeling of being hurt by a loved one's inexplicable transformation.

The narrative of the song revolves around the profound sense of bewilderment and pain experienced by the singer as he observes a significant and unwelcome transformation in his romantic partner. He repeatedly expresses his inability to comprehend these changes, emphasizing that they are unbearable to witness. This emotional turmoil inflicts deep wounds upon his heart, creating a feeling of anguish that he cannot endure. The repetition of the core phrases underscores a state of being trapped in a cycle of confusion and hurt, highlighting the relentless nature of his suffering. The singer directly confronts his partner, telling her that her actions are making the situation incredibly difficult for him. This admission is a vulnerable plea, revealing his struggle and the emotional weight he is carrying. It's a direct communication of how her metamorphosis is causing him immense pain and making it hard for him to cope. The sentiment is not one of anger or accusation in the traditional sense, but rather a raw and open expression of being overwhelmed by the emotional damage. Throughout the song, there's a palpable sense of despair and helplessness. The minimalist musical arrangement, primarily featuring a somber piano melody, serves to amplify the raw emotion in the vocals. The simplicity of the lyrics, which cycle through the same core sentiments, mirrors the obsessive and cyclical nature of thoughts when one is dealing with heartbreak and the painful disintegration of a once-stable relationship. The song captures a snapshot of a relationship at its breaking point, focusing entirely on the internal experience of one party who is grappling with the distressing realization that the person he loves is becoming someone he no longer recognizes, and the devastating impact this has on his emotional state.

"changes" was released on March 2, 2018, as the second single from XXXTENTACION's second studio album, "?". The song was written by Jahseh Onfroy (XXXTENTACION), John Cunningham, and Rakim Allen (PnB Rock). John Cunningham also produced the track. PnB Rock provides uncredited feature vocals on the bridge of the song. The track was released alongside another single, "Sad!", with XXXTENTACION announcing their release on Instagram just before they dropped. "changes" became the last single to be released during the artist's lifetime, as he was tragically killed a few months later. The song was recorded during a period of personal struggle for the artist, which is reflected in its emotional depth.

The rhyme scheme in "changes" is simple and direct, primarily following an AABB pattern within the main refrain: "understand this" (A), "I can't stand it" (A), "this damage" (B), "can't stand it" (B). This straightforward rhyming contributes to the song's accessibility and memorable, anthem-like quality. The rhythm is slow and deliberate, driven by the piano ballad's tempo. The vocal melody follows the rhythm of the lyrics in a way that feels natural and conversational, despite being sung. There is a strong interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the piano accompaniment, with the pauses and phrasing in the vocals mirroring the somber cadence of the music. The song's rhythmic structure is not complex, but its simplicity is a key element of its emotional power, allowing the listener to be fully immersed in the feeling of the song without distraction.

"changes" is notable for its minimalist musical arrangement, which primarily features a piano and vocals, with the subtle addition of violin strings. This stripped-back instrumentation places the focus squarely on the emotional weight of the lyrics and XXXTENTACION's vocal delivery. His singing style in this track is a departure from his more aggressive work, showcasing a softer, more melodic, and vulnerable side. The song lacks a traditional verse-chorus structure, instead opting for a repetitive, hook-driven format that enhances the cyclical theme of the lyrics. The repetition of key phrases like "Girl, you're making it hard for me" serves as a form of lyrical emphasis, driving home the artist's plea and pain. PnB Rock's uncredited backing vocals add a layer of harmony and depth to the track. The overall production is clean and polished, which contrasts with some of XXXTENTACION's earlier, more lo-fi work.

"changes" achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting in numerous other countries. As of August 2021, the song had surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, making it XXXTENTACION's fourth song to reach this milestone. The song is often highlighted as a key example of the artist's versatility and his ability to convey raw emotion, showcasing a softer side that contrasted with his more aggressive and controversial public persona. Released just months before his death, "changes" holds a poignant place in his discography and is remembered as a testament to his artistic depth and vulnerability. The song has been covered by various artists and remains a popular and emotionally resonant track for his large fanbase.

The primary symbolism in "changes" lies in its repetitive and cyclical structure, which mirrors the experience of being trapped in a toxic or deteriorating relationship. The constant return to the main chorus—"Mmm, baby I don't understand this / You're changing, I can't stand it / My heart can't take this damage / And the way I feel, can't stand it"—symbolizes the looping thoughts and inescapable pain of heartbreak. The 'changes' themselves are a metaphor for the emotional and potentially behavioral shifts in his partner that are causing the relationship's decay. There aren't many elaborate metaphors; instead, the song relies on direct and raw emotional expression. This straightforwardness is a stylistic choice that emphasizes the rawness and immediacy of the pain being described. The title itself, "changes," can also be seen as having a double meaning, referring not only to the changes in his partner but also to the shift in XXXTENTACION's own musical style towards a more melodic and vulnerable sound.

The most prominent recurring motif in "changes" is the main chorus: "Mmm, baby I don't understand this / You're changing, I can't stand it / My heart can't take this damage / And the way I feel, can't stand it." This phrase is repeated multiple times throughout the song, acting as its central emotional anchor. Its repetition emphasizes the cyclical and inescapable nature of the artist's pain and confusion. Another key recurring phrase is "Girl, you're making it hard for me," which is sung repeatedly in the bridge. This line acts as a direct address to his partner, a moment of confrontation and raw vulnerability within the song. The repetition of these phrases makes them incredibly memorable and serves to drill the song's core message into the listener's mind.