"Change" is a song by the

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band

Tears for Fears Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath in 1981 by Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the synth-pop bands o ...

. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist

Curt Smith Curt Smith (born 24 June 1961) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is best known as the co-lead vocalist, bassist, and co-founding member of the pop rock band Tears for Fears along with childhood friend Roland ...

, it was the band's fourth single release. It would eventually become the second hit from their debut LP '' The Hurting'' (1983) and second UK Top 5 chart hit, following the success of "

Mad World "Mad World" is a 1982 song by British band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was the band's third single release and first chart hit, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart in November 1982. ...

". The song also gave Tears for Fears their first charting single in the United States when it cracked the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in August 1983. "Change" was also a big international success, reaching the

Top 40 In the music industry, the Top 40 is a list of the 40 currently most popular songs in a particular genre. It is the best-selling or most frequently broadcast popular music. Record charts have traditionally consisted of a total of 40 songs. "To ...

in numerous countries.

Meaning

Song versions

The 7" version of "Change" is the same mix of the song found on ''The Hurting'', but in a slightly edited form. An extended remix of the song is showcased as the lead track on the 12" single. While many copies of the 12" single use the 7" mix of the song as one of the B-sides, some feature an altogether different recording. Although uncredited on the singles themselves, this mix is labeled the "New Version" on the UK cassette release of ''The Hurting'', where it was included as a bonus track. Featuring an alternate set of lyrics, this version actually predates the 7" mix, despite its title. More recently, a mix by British DJ

Joey Negro David Russell Lee (born 18 June 1964) is an English DJ and music producer, formerly known by the stage name Joey Negro, which he retired in July 2020 following the George Floyd protests. He has released music under a variety of pseudonyms ...

was included, along with other Tears for Fears remixes, on a

2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...

promotional EP.

B-side

"The Conflict" is a song that served as the B-side to the "Change" single. Its repeated verse describes a conflict between two individuals. Sung by Curt Smith, this is one of the few songs in the Tears for Fears catalogue on which he shares a writing credit.

Music video

The music video for "Change" was directed by Clive Richardson, best known for his early work with

Depeche Mode Depeche Mode are an English electronic music, electronic band formed in Basildon, Essex in 1980. Originally formed with the line-up of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher (musician), Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke, the band currently consists ...

Track listings

;7": Mercury / IDEA4 (

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) / 812 677-7 (

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) / 6059 596 (

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) / 7PP-101 (

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) #"Change" (3:52) #"The Conflict" (4:02) ;12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Europe) #"Change xtended Version (5:54) #"Change" (3:52) #"The Conflict" (4:02) ;12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Australia) / SOVX 2322 (Canada) #"Change xtended Version (5:54) #"Change ew Version (4:33) #"The Conflict" (4:02) *The "New Version" is not specifically identified as such on this release

Personnel

Tears for Fears * Roland Orzabal – guitar, keyboards, rhythm programming *

– lead vocals, bass, keyboards * Manny Elias – drums, rhythm programming * Ian Stanley – keyboards and computer programming Additional Personnel *

Chris Hughes Christopher Hughes (born November 26, 1983) is an American entrepreneur and author who co-founded and served as spokesman for the online social directory and networking site Facebook until 2007. He was the publisher and editor-in-chief of ''The ...

– rhythm programming, tuned percussion, conducting * Ross Cullum – dynamic toggle (percussion)

Chart positions

References

{{authority control 1983 singles 1983 songs Phonogram Records singles Songs written by Roland Orzabal Song recordings produced by Ross Cullum Song recordings produced by Chris Hughes (record producer) Tears for Fears songs