I Can Change
LCD Soundsystem
The Struggle of Love and Self-Transformation in 'I Can Change'
LCD Soundsystem's 'I Can Change' delves into the complexities of love, self-identity, and the lengths one might go to preserve a relationship. The song opens with a plea for simplicity and comfort, as the narrator asks for a line and a dance to feel alright. This sets the stage for a recurring theme: the tension between the comfort of darkness and the inevitable conflicts that arise in the light of love.
The chorus, with its repeated mantra 'Never change, never change,' highlights a paradox. The narrator acknowledges that their unchanging nature is what initially attracted their lover, yet they are willing to change if it means keeping the love alive. This contradiction underscores the internal conflict of wanting to remain true to oneself while also being willing to adapt for the sake of love. The line 'Love is a murderer' further emphasizes the destructive potential of love, suggesting that it can kill one's pride and hopes, yet the narrator remains hopeful that change can salvage the relationship.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of desperation and vulnerability. The narrator's repeated assurances that they can change if it helps their lover fall in love again reveal a deep-seated fear of losing the relationship. This willingness to change, despite the inherent contradiction, speaks to the universal struggle of balancing self-identity with the demands of love. The song's emotional depth is amplified by its musical composition, which combines melancholic melodies with a driving beat, mirroring the push and pull of the narrator's internal battle.
'I Can Change' is a poignant exploration of love's complexities, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and the lengths we go to for the ones we love. It resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the desire to be loved for who they are while also feeling the pressure to change for the sake of a relationship.