About the song
*Things Have Changed* is a memorable song by Bob Dylan, written for the film *Wonder Boys* and released as a single on May 1, 2000. This track garnered significant acclaim, earning both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. It was later featured on several of Dylan’s compilation albums, including *The Essential Bob Dylan* (2000), *The Best of Bob Dylan* (2005), and *Dylan* (2007).
The song represents a notable shift in Dylan’s style from his previous work. According to Brian Hiatt of *Rolling Stone*, *Things Have Changed* marks a new phase in Dylan’s career, showcasing a playful yet profound tone. The song’s distinctive groove and dynamic feel were early signs of Dylan’s revitalized approach in the 21st century, characterized by his own production work and collaboration with engineer Chris Shaw.
The inspiration for *Things Have Changed* came from a meeting with country musician Marty Stuart, particularly from Stuart’s song “The Observations of a Crow.” There is some debate about when the song was recorded. According to some sources, it was laid down at Sterling Sound studios in New York in May 1999. Others suggest it was recorded in late July 1999 at Sony Studios in New York during a break from Dylan’s tour with Paul Simon.
Dylan recorded *Things Have Changed* with his touring band: Charlie Sexton and Larry Campbell on guitars, Tony Garnier on bass, and David Kemper on drums. Kemper recounted that they recorded the song quickly, with the band learning and recording it in just one day. They produced two versions of the track, one with a New Orleans shuffle, though this version was not released. Engineer Chris Shaw later hoped to include this alternate version in the *Bootleg Series*, but it was ultimately replaced by a live recording from June 2000.
*Things Have Changed* is notable not only for its awards but also for its place in Dylan’s evolving musical landscape. Its success and innovative recording process reflect Dylan’s continued influence and creativity in the music industry.
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Lyrics
A worried man with a worried mind
No one in front of me and nothing behind
There’s a woman on my lap and she’s drinking champagne
Got white skin, got assassin’s eyes
I’m looking up into the sapphire tinted skies
I’m well dressed, waiting on the last train
Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose
Any minute now I’m expecting all hell to break loose
People are crazy and times are strange
I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range
I used to care, but things have changed
This place ain’t doing me any good
I’m in the wrong town, I should be in Hollywood
Just for a second there I thought I saw something move
Gonna take dancing lessons do the jitterbug rag
Ain’t no shortcuts, gonna dress in drag
Only a fool in here would think he’s got anything to prove
Lotta water under the bridge, lotta other stuff too
Don’t get up gentlemen, I’m only passing through
People are crazy and times are strange
I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range
I used to care, but things have changed
I’ve been walking forty miles of bad road
If the bible is right, the world will explode
I’ve been trying to get as far away from myself as I can
Some things are too hot to touch
The human mind can only stand so much
You can’t win with a losing hand
Feel like falling in love with the first woman I meet
Putting her in a wheel barrow and wheeling her down the street
People are crazy and times are strange
I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range
I used to care, but things have changed
I hurt easy, I just don’t show it
You can hurt someone and not even know it
The next sixty seconds could be like an eternity
Gonna get lowdown, gonna fly high
All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie
I’m love with a woman who don’t even appeal to me
Mr. Jinx and Miss Lucy, they jumped in the lake
I’m not that eager to make a mistake
People are crazy and times are strange
I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range
I used to care, but things have changed