Moody grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba with her parents and three siblings. She was trained classically from the age of four but unlike her two sisters and brother she did not take to a stringed instrument, and from her mid-teens began to train vocally instead. In 1993 she began to study English and French literature at university with the intent of becoming a teacher like both her parents. She changed her course in 1996 and decided to forge a life out of folk music instead.
Moody's first band was the Juno-nominated roots band Scruj MacDuhk, for whom she was lead singer from 1997 until the group's break up in 2001. After this split Ruth began to focus on her songwriting and picked up the guitar, adding it to her repertoire of piano, bodhran, accordion and banjo. It was also at this time that she started a musical collaboration with Nicky Mehta and Cara Luft. In 2002 the three took to the stage as The Wailin' Jennys. The Jennys (now Ruth Moody, Nicky Mehta and New York-based Heather Masse) have won international critical acclaim and numerous awards including a Juno award for their album 40 Days. They have toured in North America, Europe and Australia.
Since 2002 Moody has released two full-length albums and an EP with The Wailin' Jennys, a solo EP called Blue Muse and an album with two ex-members of Scruj MacDuhk, Jeremy Penner and Oliver Swain, called South Bound. She is currently working on a full length solo album.
Make A Change
Ruth Moody Lyrics
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And it's looking like rain
The air's getting colder
And geese are turning again
It's that time of year when you know It's time to make a change
It's dark in the house
And it's dark outside
Clouds coming in
Something deep down says it's time Time to make a change
We had a love
I don't know where it went
It passed by like the cars
On the wet pavement
It's hard to let go
Even when we both know
That it's time
Time to make a change
It's pouring down now
On my rooftop
It's coming on strong
And it all it's gonna stop
But somehow it's alright when you know It's time to make a change
Sometimes it's your heart
And sometimes it's your head Sometimes it's the words
That never got said
Whatever it is
There's no tuningback
When you know
The wind's blowing in
And it's looking like rain
The air's getting colder
And geese are turning again
Ruth Moody’s song “Make A Change” speaks to the feelings of uncertainty and longing for something new that comes with the changing of seasons, and how it echoes the changes we may want in our own lives. The lyrics describe the physical signs of autumn: rain, colder air, and the migration of geese. These cues lead the singer to realize that it’s time for her to make a change. She feels a sense of darkness and confusion, which parallels the darkening of the house and the clouds in the sky. Despite the fact that the change she needs to make is difficult and painful, the rain pouring down on her rooftop makes her feel like it’s going to be alright because she knows she needs to make a change.
The song's lyrics speak to universal themes of change, letting go, and accepting the flow of life. It communicates a sense of urgency to make a change, despite the difficulties that may come with it. The lyrics are simple and direct, but they carry a powerful message. This song celebrates the beauty of a new beginning and the opportunity to move on from the past. It is a call to action, a reminder that we can always make the choice to move forward and create a better life for ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
The wind's blowing in
The breeze is moving towards the location where the singer is present.
And it's looking like rain
There is a high chance of precipitation based on the looks of it.
The air's getting colder
The atmosphere is cooling down.
And geese are turning again
The birds are changing their path, indicating a new season.
It's that time of year when you know It's time to make a change
The time has arrived to make modifications in life, just like the change in weather and bird movements.
It's dark in the house
The interior of the house is dimly lit.
And it's dark outside
The outside environment is also poorly lit.
Clouds coming in
The clouds are moving towards the area surrounding the singer.
From the East side
Clouds are arriving from the Eastern horizon.
Something deep down says it's time Time to make a change
The singer's inner voice is indicating that altering life course is a necessity.
We had a love
The singer was in a romantic relationship.
I don't know where it went
The relationship has ended, and the singer is unsure how.
It passed by like the cars
The relationship ended quickly without much persistence, like speeding cars on a rainy road.
On the wet pavement
The road was wet due to the rain, indicating danger and instability-just like the relationship.
It's hard to let go
The breakup was emotionally challenging for the singer.
Even when we both know That it's time Time to make a change
Even though both individuals involved in the relationship know that transformation is necessary, it doesn't make it any easier.
It's pouring down now
There is a heavy downpour happening currently.
On my rooftop
Water is falling on the surface over the singer's head.
It's coming on strong
The rainfall has increased and is becoming more intense.
And it all it's gonna stop
Regardless of its severity, the rain will slow down and eventually end.
But somehow it's alright when you know It's time to make a change
Even though difficult situations will arise, the knowledge that modifications must occur makes it more bearable.
Sometimes it's your heart
Indecisiveness about an alteration in life comes from emotions and matters of the heart.
And sometimes it's your head
Reasoning and sound judgement can also affect change and decision-making.
Sometimes it's the words
Expressing thoughts through communication can enhance personal growth and bringing about change.
That never got said
Unexpressed thoughts and feelings can hinder progress and result in missed opportunities.
Whatever it is
No matter what the circumstance, however challenging it may be.
There's no turning back
There is no opportunity to reverse or delay the decision made to institute a change.
When you know
Once awareness is established regarding the requirement of change.
The wind's blowing in
The source of wind on this occasion is repeating, aligning with the past indications of change.
And it's looking like rain
Similar to the previous weather event, the probability of precipitation is high once again.
The air's getting colder
The exterior environment is becoming less warm as the day progresses.
And geese are turning again
The birds are yet again changing direction, indicative of seasonal transformation.
Contributed by Avery H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.