The Change Better Come

Soul music is full of poetry. While sometimes it can't be heard through the lyrics themselves, they are heard through the voice of the singer and the feel of the band. "Change Gonna Come" by Otis Redding is a perfect example of this. Not only are the lyrics full of poetry, but the emotion in his voice is strong and brings me to tears constantly.

It's been too hard living, oh my
And I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there
Beyond the clouds

In this verse, Redding expresses his struggle in his life and how it is too hard for him to deal with. He also tells the audience that he is afraid to die, essentially afraid of what will come in the after life. When he sings "beyond the clouds," he is referencing heaven or at least the idea of heaven. The airy feeling of the lyrics adds to the meaning of life beyond death and makes it much more of an open interpretation.

Earlier in the song, Redding describes his life like that of a river, "I was born by a river in this little old tent/ oh just like this river I've been running ever since." By comparing himself to a running river, he is able to give a good example as to how he is always on the move and moving at a fast pace as well.

The emotion and lyrical poetry of the song is full of emotion and meaning. It is full of important messages for future generations about leaving a good impact on the world, and making a change for the better.