Keep the Change
George Jones; Tammy Wynette Lyrics
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I could tell by the sunshine on your face
I know he bought you pretty things
I know he made your world a happy place
And I remember when she loved you
And in those days you had someone to care
And through your long and lonely nights
Ah, but lately you're not smiling
And I don't see that sunshine like before
I know you've tried to make it work
But I don't think he loves you any more
And I know she must have hurt you
'Cause I've seen the tears, you try so hard to hide
But if we had each other
It might just stop this hurt we have inside
Change to me and keep the change
And I won't do you like he did
And I won't hurt you, like she did
Change to me and keep the change
And we'll never need another
Once we have each other
Change to me and keep the change
The lyrics of George Jones and Tammy Wynette's song "Keep the Change" express the perspective of two ex-lovers who empathize with each other's pain and long for the possibility of rekindling their lost love. The song begins with one of them acknowledging the past happiness the other had with their former partner, complimenting the sunshine on their face, and the good things he/she did for them. The second verse presents a similar memory of how the singer's love was there for him/her during lonely times. However, the song takes a somber turn when they confess to the present unhappiness and distress, noticing how the sunshine has faded, and the tears they try hard to hide. They acknowledge their significant efforts to reignite the spark, but it seems futile as they doubt their partner loves them anymore. The chorus then serves as an official proposition for them to change partners and try again with each other, promising to give the love and care they never got from their former flames.
The song's melancholic lyrics are consistent with the fate of the two country music legends who were married from 1969 to 1975 before divorcing due to numerous issues, including infidelity and alcoholism. The powerful emotions conveyed through their vocals not only made it a hit chart for them but also helped keep the traditional duet style of country music alive. The song's theme of a couple considering leaving their partners to pursue a different relationship was not uncommon in country music; however, the way Jones and Wynette approached it with their blend of traditional country and heartfelt performances ensured its long-lasting impact on listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
It was so good when he loved you
The good times you had when he used to love you were clearly evident from the way your face was built with radiance.
I could tell by the sunshine on your face
You had an aura of happiness due to the materialistic things and emotional support he provided you with.
I know he bought you pretty things
I am aware of the charming presents he gifted you to keep you happy.
I know he made your world a happy place
I know he did more than just gifting you presents and made your life delightful in every way possible.
And I remember when she loved you
I recall those days when she used to love you with all her heart.
And in those days you had someone to care
You weren't alone then, you had someone to share your joys and sorrows with.
And through your long and lonely nights
During your gloomy and dark nights, she was there to accompany you and support you.
When you needed someone, she was there
She stood by your side whenever you needed a shoulder to lean on.
Ah, but lately you're not smiling
Lately, I observed a change in your behavior where you aren't as happy and content as you used to be.
And I don't see that sunshine like before
The glow that was present on your face earlier seems to have vanished for some reason.
I know you've tried to make it work
I recognize that you've made attempts to mend whatever is broken between you two.
But I don't think he loves you any more
Sadly, I don't think he has the same love for you that he used to have earlier.
And I know she must have hurt you
I could sense that you've been hurt by her because I've seen the tears you try hard to hide.
'Cause I've seen the tears, you try so hard to hide
You've tried your best to conceal your tears, but I know how much it must've hurt you.
But if we had each other
If we were together, we would be a great support system for each other.
It might just stop this hurt we have inside
Our mutual love can heal the pain we're going through.
Change to me and keep the change
Be mine and give me the opportunity to prove my love to you, and you can keep all the positive changes and happiness that come along with it.
And I won't do you like he did
I won't hurt you or treat you the way he has been treating you.
And I won't hurt you, like she did
I won't be the reason for your tears, unlike how she had hurt you with her actions.
And we'll never need another
We'll never require anyone else after we have each other by our side.
Once we have each other
Our love for each other will be enough to fill any voids in our lives.
Change to me and keep the change
Be with me and let us both gain from our love for each other.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY SHERRILL, CARMOL TAYLOR, MONROE FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind