It Must Change (feat. Antony and the Johnsons)

ANOHNI's song 'It Must Change (feat. Antony and the Johnsons)' is a hauntingly beautiful plea for transformation and renewal. The repetitive refrain 'It must change' serves as a powerful mantra, emphasizing the urgency and necessity for change in various aspects of life. The lyrics delve into personal relationships, societal structures, and existential reflections, all underscored by a sense of melancholy and longing for a better reality.

The song opens with a direct address, urging a change in the way the speaker is treated. This can be interpreted as a call for respect and kindness in personal interactions. The mention of 'the death inside you that you pass into me' suggests a toxic relationship where negative emotions and behaviors are transferred from one person to another. Despite this, the speaker acknowledges the inherent beauty in the other person, highlighting the complexity of human relationships where love and pain often coexist.

As the song progresses, it shifts from personal to broader societal issues. The 'city in your head' with 'collapsing walls and lead' symbolizes the crumbling mental and emotional state of individuals living in a flawed society. The imagery of fire cleaning oil from stones and a failing god points to a need for purification and a reevaluation of beliefs and values. The repeated assertion that 'things must change' is a call to action, urging listeners to recognize the need for transformation in both personal and collective spheres.

The recurring line 'That's why this is so sad' underscores the deep sorrow and frustration felt by the speaker. The song's existential musings on light and darkness, and the idea that opposites are merely constructs, add a philosophical layer to the narrative. The acknowledgment that 'no one's getting out of here' and 'this is our world' serves as a sobering reminder of the permanence of our reality, making the call for change even more urgent and poignant.