Change Explained (Chorus and Bridge)

The chorus is overall self explanatory as it illustrates one actively voicing one’s resistance to change. 

The bridge was used to illustrate, both instrumentally and vocally, the active conflict between fantasy and reality. The instruments at this point in the song represent the reality of change as it is the most heavily instrumentally layered. Just as in most situations of conflict, when outnumbered, the more dominant opponent triumphs (instrumental layers outnumber the vocal layers). It also presents, in my opinion, a almost heavenly type theme. This illustrates the beauty of change. While this instrumental theme is heard the lyrics, “I can’t hold it back.” begin musically rounding. However, not in the traditional sense as each round has a slightly different musical notation. The lyrics start off in the foreground complimenting the instrumental theme, slowly fading to the background, and then bouncing back to the foreground. This was done to illustrate a struggle. One realizes the reality of change (prominent vocals in the foreground), however, one struggles to contain it (vocals slowly fading to the background). Ultimately the reality of change triumphs (vocals bouncing back to the foreground). While these lyrics are fading to the background, a second vocal layer is heard, “Hold on.” this is presented during the peak of the conflict encouraging one to hold on to the reality that one believes to be true.

The final chorus, although the lyrics remain the same, represents a transition. The transition being that one has accepted the reality of change. Because there are several vocal layers heard during this final chorus, the chorus itself is not as prominently heard, suggesting that the old perspective one used to hold is now transitioning or blending into a newly formed perspective. The round heard previously, “I can’t hold it back”, continues to illustrate the triumph of change and one’s acceptance of it. The “Hold on” harmony continues as well, however, this time encouraging one to hold on for or excitedly anticipate change. Two final vocal layers are presented at this time. The first being, “Everything changes.” This vocal harmony is subtly placed in the background and almost hidden from the listeners ear. This was intentional as it represents a subtle sign of relief. The second is a harmonization on the lyrics, “Change is for the best they claim, But I’ll complain, That it isn’t for me. This harmony, sung in a higher register then the original, symbolizes that the final division made, is higher than or above one’s old perspective.