In 1982, Robert Hazard and the Heroes released their highly anticipated debut record. The self-produced and self-titled five song EP quickly sold over 300,000 copies in the Philadelphia area. Soon thereafter, the record caught the attention of the recording industry and the band was signed to an eight album deal by RCA. RCA released a remixed version of the EP nationally and Rolling Stone magazine gave the record four stars.
In late 1982, Robert Hazard removed The Heroes from the marquee and replaced two of The Heroes, John Lilley and Rob Miller with new band members. The band's new line-up performed "Change Reaction" and "Escalator of Life" on Dick Clark's American Bandstand TV show. Around this time, Cyndi Lauper recorded the '80's anthem "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". (See VH1 VJ talk about the song.) Her version was a huge hit, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard charts in 1984.
In 1984, Robert Hazard released his highly anticipated first full length album - "Wing of Fire." This album was intended to expand musically upon the song material that he had been playing live for the past few years. However, the production of the record suffered due to too much involvement from RCA management. Regardless, the record received an impressive advance order of 89,000 copies. Unfortunately, the record promotion was hampered by management changes at RCA, and sales stalled.
In 1986, Robert Hazard released another self-produced record titled "Darling." He named his revamped band the New Heroes.
[1991 Reunion]
In 1991, Robert Hazard and the Heroes reunited for a 10 year reunion concert at the now defunct Chestnut Cabaret on 38th Street in Philadelphia.
In 1998, Robert Hazard released the "Howl" CD, and began performing in the Philadelphia area with his new band, The Hombres.
In July 2002, Robert Hazard released a limited edition compilation CD, titled "Out of the Blue", that featured classic Hazard songs from the eighties. In the summer of 2003, after a five year hiatus, he returned to the studio and recorded "The Seventh Lake" CD which was produced by the T-Bone Wolk. In 2004, Robert Hazard recorded and released the "Blue Mountain" CD.
Robert Hazard died unexpectedly August 5, 2008 at age 59 after surgery for pancreatic cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Change Reaction
Robert Hazard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They tried to crucify your love
But you're hip, you're young and free
Change reaction, it's on you
You're a domino
Change reaction showing through
Slow motion
Change reaction it'll do
For the jam you're in
Change reaction it's on you
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
They always made you feel so bad
Now that they're gone you feel so glad
You cried till you danced all night
Change reaction it's on you
You're a domino
Change reaction showing through
Slow motion
Change reaction it'll do
For the jam you're in
Change reaction it's on you
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
But you're hip, you're young and free
Change reaction it's on you
You're a domino
Change reaction showing through
Slow motion
Change reaction it'll do
For the jam you're in
Change reaction it's on you
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Ah
Change reaction
Change reaction
Change reaction
Change reaction
The lyrics of Robert Hazard's song Change Reaction seem to be about a person who previously felt oppressed by others. The lines "They tried to crucify your love" and "They always made you feel so bad" suggest this. However, in the chorus, the song takes a positive turn. The phrase "Change reaction, it's on you" implies that the person has the power to create change in their life. They are a "domino" and their actions will cause a chain reaction to occur. The slow motion imagery in the second verse suggests that the change will be gradual, but it will still happen.
The song seems to be a call to action for the person to take control of their life and create a positive change. The repetition of "oh no" at the end of each chorus implies that the change may not be easy, but it is still necessary. The phrase "For the jam you're in" suggests that the person may currently be in a difficult situation, but the change reaction will help them overcome it.
In summary, the lyrics of Change Reaction seem to be about empowering oneself to make a positive change in their life. The song encourages the listener to take control and be the catalyst for their own transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
They tried to cross the stars above
People tried to hold you back from reaching your goals
They tried to crucify your love
People tried to make you feel bad about who you love
But you're hip, you're young and free
You're cool, young and have the freedom to do what you want
Change reaction, it's on you
You have the power to inspire change
You're a domino
Your actions can influence others to do the same
Change reaction showing through
Your actions have consequences
Slow motion
It may take a while for the consequences to be seen
Change reaction it'll do
Change can be helpful in difficult situations
For the jam you're in
When you're in a difficult time, change may be necessary
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
You have a feeling of worry
They always made you feel so bad
Others constantly made you feel inferior
Now that they're gone you feel so glad
Now that they're not around, you feel relief
You cried till you danced all night
You were so happy, you cried and danced with joy
Ah
An exclamation of joy or relief
Change reaction
Encouraging people to make a difference
Change reaction
Inspiring change through action
Change reaction
The power to influence others
Change reaction
The potential for positive change
Contributed by Micah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@anniebananie7887
Nothing like the 80’s. I wish we could go back.
@larryfairman3800
I'm at 3:47. Big dork jumping in the back. Who knew that jonesing for Pat's at 2am would be around on video 30 years later. To the earlier post, don't leave out the A's and John Eddie from the day.
@davidjenkins2691
Never got why Hazard never broke out from the Philly scene.
@larry4111
That's me in the WMMR jacket at 3:24. I was essentially playing myself. I was at many many of Robert's shows (they called me the "7th Hero") and I would introduce him while wearing my WMMR jacket. At the end of the show he'd come offstage and I'd congratulate him and pat him on the back. So that's what they asked me to do for the video. It was a long night, too! J.C. Dobbs, 3rd & South.
@gmansi
Amazing! 😃
@dj-um7el
Cool!!!
@terminalbooboo
I was just talking Philly bands with someone today -- A's, Berue Rreview and all. Since you were there. Do you know the name of this South Street location at the time? I wasn't quite 21 in the 80s.
@TheRugby23
My BIL is the one sneaking in the club.
@larry4111
@Connie 1983!
@chisflanagan5498
Thanks a million for this post. I was there. Watching this gives me happy chills.... it's missing from today's music so very much. This is great!