Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Slow Change
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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And tell me why I should not be afraid
I said I don't want to hear about the promises they told us
I don't want to hear about the progress that they made
Slow change
Don't mean nothing to me
As I watch my world get ruined by a pristine hand
And I'm out here, saying "Excuse me" like a stranger
Cause I never did learn how to say "Isn't this grand"
Slow change
Don't mean nothing to me
Black cat
Squashed flat, pretty gory
Came to play
Swept away, no big story
May be down
Still around, walking aftermath
Still alive
Learn to drive, don't cross his path
We shall overcome is what they tell us
But the sun goes down and dawns just too many times
That's all right, don't worry, in God do we trust
Besides, you went and got yours, so I guess I'll just go get mine
Slow change
Don't mean nothing to me
Slow change
Don't mean nothing to me
Slow change
Don't mean nothing to me
The lyrics of Blues Traveler's "Slow Change" seem to center around the frustration and anger of the singer with the world as he sees it. He reflects on the experiences he and his listeners have been through together, and wonders why he should not be afraid given how things have gone. He does not want to hear about promises or progress, as it seems like slow change is not enough to make a real difference. Still, he wants to take action and does not want to be ignored like a stranger, but is discouraged by the magnitude of the problem. He calls out the seeming futility of the struggle for change, and ends by saying that slow change means nothing to him.
The song appears to speak to the desire for change and the frustration of those who want to make it happen. The lyrics suggest that slow change is not enough, but it is unclear what kind of change the singer desires. The reference to "we shall overcome" suggests that the song may be about civil rights or a desire for social justice. However, the ambiguity of the lyrics invites the listener to bring their own interpretation, and to reflect on the changes they want to see in their own lives and in the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Just think about what you and I have been through
Reflect on the experiences we've shared together
And tell me why I should not be afraid
Provide a reason that can calm my fear
I said I don't want to hear about the promises they told us
I'm disinterested in hearing about the commitments made by others to us
I don't want to hear about the progress that they made
The advancements made by others are irrelevant to me
Well fear not, cause my fear soon turns to anger
My fear transforms into anger, so don't worry
As I watch my world get ruined by a pristine hand
I'm witnessing the destruction of my surroundings caused by an untouched force
And I'm out here, saying "Excuse me" like a stranger
I'm trying to get someone's attention, but it seems like I'm a complete stranger
Cause I never did learn how to say "Isn't this grand"
I never knew how to express enthusiasm for something
Slow change
Gradual change
Don't mean nothing to me
Doesn't hold any significance to me
Black cat
An omen of bad luck
Squashed flat, pretty gory
Run over and gruesomely disfigured
Came to play
Arrived without inhibition
Swept away, no big story
Brought down suddenly with no grand finale
May be down
Could be in a difficult situation
Still around, walking aftermath
Despite struggles, still persevering through the aftermath
Still alive
Continuing to live
Learn to drive, don't cross his path
Avoid interfering with someone who has the ability to hurt you
We shall overcome is what they tell us
We're told we'll prevail over our obstacles
But the sun goes down and dawns just too many times
Days blend together and hope fades
That's all right, don't worry, in God do we trust
It's okay, no need to fret as we trust in a higher power
Besides, you went and got yours, so I guess I'll just go get mine
You've achieved success, now it's my turn to pursue my own goals
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOBBY SHEEHAN, JOHN C. POPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind