I Am The Changer

Cotton Jones' song 'I Am The Changer' delves into the complexities of self-identity and transformation. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is constantly in flux, grappling with their own nature and the desire for change. The recurring theme of 'everything has turned around' suggests a life in constant motion, where the protagonist is always on the brink of transformation but never quite arriving at a final state. This sense of perpetual change is underscored by the imagery of waiting for a train, coughing in the rain, and dropping a dollar down a gutter drain—moments that capture the fleeting and often frustrating nature of life.

The protagonist describes themselves as 'the changer' and 'the rearranger,' indicating a self-awareness of their role in their own transformation. However, this self-awareness is tinged with a sense of alienation and deceit, as they also identify as 'a stranger' and 'a liar with a tongue on fire.' The fiery tongue metaphor suggests a destructive or harmful way of speaking, perhaps lies or harsh truths that the protagonist feels compelled to cut off. This internal conflict between the desire to change and the recognition of one's flaws creates a poignant tension throughout the song.

The song also explores themes of hesitation and procrastination, as the protagonist admits to being 'the waiter' and 'the hesitator.' This acknowledgment of their own delays and indecision adds another layer to their struggle for self-improvement. The garden bed imagery, where the protagonist tries to clear their head, symbolizes a place of rest and contemplation, yet even here, they are waiting to be fed, indicating a reliance on external factors for change. Ultimately, 'I Am The Changer' is a deeply introspective song that captures the universal human experience of striving for self-betterment while wrestling with one's own imperfections.