About the Song
Aretha Franklin: Ever Changing Times
In the realm of music, few names resonate with the power and soul of Aretha Franklin. The “Queen of Soul” reigned supreme throughout her illustrious career, captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals and emotive delivery. Among her extensive discography, “Ever Changing Times” stands as a poignant ballad that encapsulates the complexities of life, love, and the passage of time.
Released in 1991 as part of her album “What You See Is What You Sweat”, “Ever Changing Times” marked a collaboration between Franklin and fellow music icon Michael McDonald. Their harmonious blend of voices weaves a tapestry of heartfelt emotions, exploring themes of resilience, acceptance, and the enduring power of hope amidst life’s ever-changing tides.
From the opening notes, the song establishes a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere, with Franklin’s soulful vocals taking center stage. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of a world in constant flux, where time marches on relentlessly, leaving individuals to navigate the ebb and flow of life’s unpredictable currents.
“Ever Changing Times” acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties that life throws our way. “Children leaving home,” “friendships fading,” and “love affairs gone wrong” are just a few of the poignant experiences the song touches upon. Yet, amidst these trials, Franklin’s voice conveys an unwavering sense of strength and resilience.
The chorus serves as a powerful affirmation of hope, declaring: “Ever changing times, they come and they go / But through it all, my love will grow.” These lines offer solace and reassurance, reminding listeners that even in the face of adversity, love can provide a steadfast anchor.
Michael McDonald’s smooth tenor intertwines beautifully with Franklin’s powerhouse vocals, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the song’s emotional resonance. Their duet adds a layer of depth and dimension, further emphasizing the universality of the themes explored in the lyrics.
“Ever Changing Times” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with listeners on a profound level. Franklin’s soulful delivery and McDonald’s complementary vocals weave a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply, offering solace, hope, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst life’s ever-changing tides.
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Lyric
These are ever-changing times
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times
And me, ever-changing time
Everything is going so much faster
It seems like I’m
Watching my life, and everything I do
Wonder if the dreams that I believed in
Still come true
Caught in between, it comes back to
You and me running out of time
I gotta find me a better understanding
Every day, keep forgetting what’s mine
I gotta find me a way, less-demanding
And we’re holding on so tight, together, all of our lives
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times
And I, I had some big idea
So much of my life, still not completed
Hopes and fears
Watching it change, into something new
Wondering if I’m gonna find the answer, loving you
All of my life, it comes back to
You and me running out of time
I gotta find me a better understanding
Every day, keep forgetting what’s mine
I gotta find me a way, less-demanding
And we’re holding on so tight, together, all of our lives
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times
All of my life, it comes back to
You and me running out of time
I gotta find me a better understanding
Everything keeps forgetting what’s mine
I gotta find me a way, less-demanding
And we’re holding on so tight, together
And we’re gonna be alright, together, all of our lives
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times
I see that clock upon the wall
But it don’t bother me at all
These are ever-changing times (ever-changing times, ever-changing)
I see that clock upon the wall (I see it on the-on the wall)
But it don’t bother me at all (it don’t bother me at all)
These are ever-changing times