A Change Would Do You Good

"A Change Would Do You Good" is the fourth single from Sheryl Crow's 1996 eponymous album. The song uses a series of non sequitur lyrics to describe what one should change in life. It became Crow's third top-five single from the album in Canada, where it reached number two, and peaked at number eight in the United Kingdom.

"A Change Would Do You Good"
Single by Sheryl Crow
from the album Sheryl Crow
ReleasedJune 23, 1997
GenreRock
Length3:50
LabelA&M
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow singles chronology
"Hard to Make a Stand"
(1997)		 "A Change Would Do You Good"
(1997)		 "Home"
(1997)
Music video
"A Change Would Do You Good" on YouTube

Background and lyrics

In an interview with Songfacts, guitarist Jeff Trott revealed "A Change Would Do You Good" was written in New Orleans during a six-month stay with co-writers Sheryl Crow and Brian MacLeod. The group decided to create a song by looking into classic soul music for inspiration, specifically by The Staple Singers and Mavis Staples. Eventually, the trio came up with so many lyric ideas that they resorted to drawing them out of a hat, putting together similar lines so they made sense.[1]

The lyrics of the song are mostly abstract, but they work together to highlight what one needs to change in life. Each verse also has a meaning. According to Trott, the first verse is about music producer Bill Bottrell, who left in the middle of the album's production, angering Crow. Trott admitted that even though the lyrics were derogatory, they were more playful than harsh. The second verse was inspired by Madonna—who had begun to tone down her sexual image during the song's conception—as well as a few other people who were not named. Crow decided to make the final verse about herself but had to convince Trott and MacLeod to do so.[1]

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Sheryl Crow's current eponymous collection proves to be knee-deep in solid radio entries. The set's third single is yet another infectious toe-tapper that has the fun vibe of a freewheeling campfire sing-along-but with the kind of biting and intelligent lyrics that have elevated Crow miles above the current glut of guitar-slingin' women. There's no question that pop and mainstream rock programmers will be going out of the way to put this winner on the air ASAP."[2]

Music videos

Several versions of a music video were shot. The first video, directed by Crow and Lance Acord, features Crow standing in the middle of a New York City street playing a guitar while a second Crow is throwing her possessions (and eventually herself) out of an apartment building window. This video appears on the DVD The Very Best of Sheryl Crow and was shot in black and white.

The second video, directed by Michel Gondry, shows Crow similar to the character Samantha Stephens from the TV sitcom fantasy Bewitched. She switches around characters' lives, such as a cab driver and teen garage band singer. Notable guests include Mary Lynn Rajskub, Heather Matarazzo, Jeff Garlin, Ellen DeGeneres, Molly Shannon, Andy Dick and Toby Huss. This video appears on the DVD compilation Michel Gondry 2: More Videos (Before and After DVD 1). This video received negative reaction from critics due to too much dialogue during the song, and was "jeered" by TV Guide. The video was later re-edited with less dialogue.

The final video is taken from a VH1 live performance.

Live performances

Crow performed the song at President Obama's 2008 Inaugural Ball for the Midwest States. She also performed the song on her live album Sheryl Crow and Friends: Live from Central Park.

Track listings

US promo CD[3]

  1. "A Change Would Do You Good" (LP version) – 3:50

UK CD single[4]

  1. "A Change Would Do You Good"
  2. "Hard to Make a Stand" (live from Shepherd's Bush Empire in London)
  3. "On the Outside" (live from Shepherd's Bush Empire in London)
  4. "A Change Would Do You Good" (live from Shepherd's Bush Empire in London)

Charts

References
  1. "A Change Would Do You Good by Sheryl Crow Songfacts". Songfacts. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. Flick, Larry (May 10, 1997). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 62. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  3. A Change Would Do You Go (US promo CD liner notes). Sheryl Crow. A&M Records. 1997. AMCDP00443.CS1 maint: others (link)
  4. A Change Would Do You Go (UK CD single liner notes). Sheryl Crow. A&M Records. 1997. 582 209 - 2.CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  6. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3267." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  7. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 3303." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  8. "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 3266." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  9. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14 no. 29. July 19, 1997. p. 12. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  10. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (12.6. '97 – 18.6. '97)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). June 13, 1997. p. 20. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  11. "Lista Przebojów Trójki - Polskie Radio Online". Lp3.polskieradio.pl. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  12. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  13. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  14. "Sheryl Crow Chart History (Radio Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  15. "Sheryl Crow Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  16. "Sheryl Crow Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  17. "Sheryl Crow Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  18. "Sheryl Crow Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  19. "RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Hit Tracks". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  20. "RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
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