Going Through Changes

Army Of Me's song "Going Through Changes" delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil that accompanies significant life transitions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of struggle and adaptation, using metaphors to convey the depth of the experience. The opening lines, "It's hard to have strength when there's nothing to eat / And it's hard to eat when you don't have the teeth," highlight the cyclical nature of hardship, where one challenge exacerbates another, making it difficult to find a way out. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of change and the inherent difficulties in coping with it.

The chorus, repeating "I've been going through changes / With nothing at all," underscores a sense of emptiness and disorientation. The changes the narrator is experiencing are not bringing about positive growth or resolution but rather a void. This sentiment is further explored in the lines, "It's hard to accept what you don't understand / And it's hard to launch without knowing how to land," which speak to the uncertainty and fear that often accompany change. The metaphor of launching without knowing how to land captures the feeling of being thrust into new situations without a clear path or safety net.

The song also touches on themes of unrequited love and personal sacrifice. The lines, "I am still yours even if you're not mine / I stare at the floor and I study the lines," reveal a lingering attachment and the pain of unreciprocated feelings. The narrator's acceptance of a lesser position, "I took my place at the back of the crowd," signifies a willingness to endure discomfort for the sake of being close to what they love, even if it means not being seen or acknowledged. The closing lines, "I know that I needed changes / But not this, 'cause this is not painless," encapsulate the harsh reality that not all changes lead to betterment and some can be profoundly painful.