Song Analysis: A Change Has Come By Sam Cooke

Margaret Bass

Dillahunt

ENG-111-Z193

6 February 2023

A Change Has Come From orchestral covers of classic rock to haunting renditions of today’s top hits, it is not uncommon for musicians to record their versions of preexisting songs. When covering already-released melodies, most major bands will want to add their own stylistic choices for their target audience. An example of this pattern among artists comes from Greta Van Fleet. In regard to the song, “A Change Is Gonna Come”, Greta Van Fleet’s rendition of Sam Cooke’s classic contrasts considerably with the original tune. Sam Cooke was known as the “Father of Soul Music”, after making his debut in 1957. He quickly rose to fame just years before the height of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Cooke used romantic, orchestral harmonies throughout his career as a musician. In the original recording of “A Change Is Gonna Come”, the use of violins, french horns, trombones, bass, and timpani drums gave the composition a woeful, yet comforting sound. With each rising crescendo and romantic harmony, Cooke filled listeners with a sense of hope and inspiration. The call to power was not lost in Greta Van Fleet’s cover. Booming drums and soaring guitar solos are staples in Greta Van Fleet’s music. Cooke’s signature song was given a sense of urgency through hard rock instrumentals. Greta Van Fleet’s interpretation fills “A Change Is Gonna Come” with feelings of reverie and nostalgia mixed with anger and loss. Thus, creating a larger gap between Cooke’s original and their own

In 1964, Cooke wanted to give his fellow civil rights activists a sense of purpose and hope for a better future. He entwined his hurt and his struggle into lyrics. “I got to the movie– And I go downtown– And somebody keeps telling me– Don’t hang around!” This verse refers to his experience as a victim of Jim Crow laws. He told the audience through his song how he was discriminated against and how he knew it would, one day, come to an end. His message was clear and significant for the time. When Greta Van Fleet paid homage to Cooke, they didn’t have the same experiences to fall back on. They chose not to give the song a new meaning and chose to simply respect Cooke’s story. Even though they didn’t add deeper sentiments to the original lyrics, Greta Van Fleet managed to amplify Cooke’s pain. Kiszka’s vocal intensity when singing, “Well, I go down to my brother– And I say– Brother, help me breathe– But he winds up– Knocking me back down– On my knees” changed Cooke’s melancholic energy to one of power and