Enhanced only by its homebrewed process, “The Moving Sidewalk” was recorded in Pete Rende’s Brooklyn apartment, and mixed in David Boucher’s Culver City garage. The album’s cover features Hampton’s whittled self-portrait standing on a winding sidewalk that ribbons from a cityscape made of papier mâché and wire form, which was designed and constructed with close friend Lindsey Anderson.
An extensive musical education; years of experience as a sideman and bassist in NYC; and practice in a variety of different genres have all contributed to the abundant reservoir of resources that make Hampton’s record at once eloquent and unassuming. Hampton studied composition and performance, and toured and performed with jazz luminaries Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in Southern California. After completing the program, he moved to Brooklyn where he made his mark as a bassist and sideman, performing around the world and recording with the likes of Gretchen Parlato, Sufjan Stevens, Clare and the Reasons, Robert Glasper, and Elizabeth and the Catapult.
Since the arrival of “The Moving Sidewalk,” and his leap from sideman to solo artist, Hampton has gained notoriety as a singer and a songwriter, and has appeared on records by singer Gretchen Parlato, and bassist Derrick Hodge, who is known for his work with Common, Mos Def, and Maxwell.
Where “The Moving Sidewalk” will take Hampton next, he can’t be sure. But the evidence rings loud and clear: In the world of music, Alan Hampton is quickly setting the pace.
Change Your Mind
Alan Hampton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To anyone who shows a need.
I was hoping that you'd notice,
I was hoping that you'd see.
And now I'm starting to get bitter,
You're unimpressed by my good deeds.
But you still think that I'm selfish,
And that is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
It's not over while it's ending,
(?)Not a spark can to be sweet
There's lots you can discover
Walking down a deadened street.
You never know what you may find there
(?)If you only brave a pea,(?)
But there's something you're afraid of
Something you don't want to see
And that is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
That is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
In Alan Hampton's song "Change Your Mind," the lyrics bring up the concept of offering a helping hand to those in need and hoping to be noticed and appreciated for those actions. As time goes on, the singer begins to feel bitter and unappreciated by those they are helping. There is an underlying tension between the singer's intentions and perceived motives - they feel misunderstood as the people around them believe they are only serving themselves.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's frustration with this conflict, as they confess to holding onto deep-seated anger and a desire to change the minds of those who misunderstand them. The final verse takes a different direction as it encourages listeners to keep looking for something new and unexpected even in seemingly "deadened" spaces. However, the singer suggests that there is some truth that is being avoided or ignored out of fear or discomfort. The lyrics are ultimately a reflection on human relationships and how sometimes being seen and understood can be a difficult and complicated process.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been offering my hand out
I have been helping anyone in need.
To anyone who shows a need.
I have been extending my hand to anyone who requires it.
I was hoping that you'd notice,
I expected you to acknowledge what I was doing.
I was hoping that you'd see.
I was expecting you to be awake and appreciate my assistance.
And now I'm starting to get bitter,
Now I am beginning to feel resentful.
You're unimpressed by my good deeds.
You are not impressed by the help I am providing.
But you still think that I'm selfish,
Despite my assistance, you still believe I am self-centered.
That I'm only serving me
You think my actions stem from a place of self-serving nature.
And that is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
Due to your lack of appreciation and your perception of me, I have been accumulating anger within me.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
This is why I am still attempting to change your perception of me.
It's not over while it's ending,
Despite it coming to an end, it doesn't signify the conclusion.
(?)Not a spark can to be sweet
The association of something good with something different is rare.
There's lots you can discover
You can find numerous things.
Walking down a deadened street.
By traversing through an unfavorable situation.
You never know what you may find there
You can't predict what you will encounter.
(?)If you only brave a pea,
If you only have the courage.
But there's something you're afraid of
But you fear something.
Something you don't want to see
Something you are unwilling to acknowledge.
And that is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
Due to your unwillingness to confront your fears, I have been accumulating anger.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
This is why I am still attempting to change your perception and confront your fears.
That is why I've been harvesting this anger deep inside.
Due to your unwillingness to confront your fears, I have been accumulating anger.
That is why I'm still trying to change your mind.
This is why I am still attempting to change your perception and confront your fears.
Contributed by Hudson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.