Changes

The harmony of 'Changes' showcases Bowie's art-rock sophistication through chromatic voice leading within an accessible pop framework. The verse's descending chromatic inner line (B→Bb→A→Ab) through tonic and subdominant voicings creates harmonic restlessness that embodies the song's theme of perpetual transformation, while the chorus anchors the hook in more conventional cadential motion. The interplay of secondary dominants, modal mixture from the parallel minor, and jazz-inflected voicings reflects the ambitious harmonic palette of the Hunky Dory sessions, distinguishing the track from simpler glam-rock contemporaries.

The song originally started as a parody of a nightclub or cabaret-style song. Bowie considered it a 'throwaway' track and did not expect it to be a hit, but he changed his mind after seeing the enthusiastic reaction from audiences who began chanting for it during his live performances.

Originally written as a nightclub parody, this track evolved into a cornerstone of 1970s art-pop and a symbolic anthem for Bowie's chameleonic career. Featuring sophisticated piano work and bold string arrangements, it serves as a rallying cry for a generation defying the status quo.