Glenn Mercer and Bill Million formed the band as The Outkids in 1976, and changed their name to The Feelies later that year. The band moved to New York and began receiving critical acclaim for their performances. By the 1978, the band consisted of Mercer, Million, basist Keith DeNunzio and drummer Anton Fier. The band released their debut single "Fa Cé-La", on Rough Trade Records in 1979.
In 1980, the band released their debut album, "Crazy Rhythms" on Stiff Records. Fier and DeNunzio left the band shortly after the release of the album, and the band was put on hiatus as Mercer and Million pursued other projects. The two continued to occasionally perform with other musicians as The Feelies throughout the early 1980's.
The band reformed in 1985 with a lineup consisting of Million, Mercer, Dave Wackerman, Brenda Sauter and Stan Demeski and released "The Good Earth" in 1986. The album was co-produced by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The Feelies toured with Lou Reed and R.E.M. during 1986.
In 1988, the band released "Only Life" on A&M Records, and in 1991, released "Time for a Witness" on the same label. The band disbanded in 1992.
The band reunited in 2008 and toured with Sonic Youth, before beginning a schedule of festival dates throughout 2009 and 2010. The band released their fifth album, "Here Before", on Bar/None Records in 2011.
Change Your Mind
The Feelies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's all right, it's fine with me
And when it's time to ask why
Don't bother wasting your time
You can change your mind
Happens all the time
You do it right, why do it twice
And when you're saying goodbye
Know that you really did try
You can change your mind
Happens all the time
Right and wrong
Coming on
Love is on
That's enough
Coming on
Coming on
Fast enough
Fast enough
Pass it on
Pass it on
Rise above
Rise above
Coming on
Coming on
The lyrics to The Feelies' song, Change Your Mind, express a message of acceptance and openness to differing opinions and personal growth. The first stanza acknowledges that individuals have their own beliefs and opinions, and that those opinions are okay. Additionally, it suggests that questioning those beliefs may not always be worth the effort. The chorus, "You can change your mind, happens all the time," encourages the listener to be open to change and the idea that people's beliefs and opinions can evolve over time.
The second stanza focuses on the idea of taking advice and learning from one's mistakes. The lyrics suggest that it's better to do something right the first time than to repeat a mistake. The idea of saying goodbye and knowing that you tried suggests that even if something doesn't work out, it's important to have given it your best effort. The message in this stanza is one of personal growth and the idea that change can be seen as an opportunity for improvement.
The final stanza repeats some of the lines from the first and second stanzas, but adds in the phrase "Rise above." This phrase emphasizes the importance of moving beyond differences and disagreements, and working towards a greater sense of unity and understanding. The repetition of the phrase "Coming on" gives the impression of forward momentum and the idea that things are always moving and changing.
Line by Line Meaning
You believe what you believe
Your beliefs are your own, and that's okay with me.
That's all right, it's fine with me
I don't take issue with your beliefs.
And when it's time to ask why
When you start questioning things...
Don't bother wasting your time
...don't waste your time on meaningless or unimportant answers.
You can change your mind
It's perfectly okay to change your beliefs or opinions.
Happens all the time
It's a common occurrence.
You can take some good advice
It's beneficial to consider advice from others.
You do it right, why do it twice
If you've found what works for you, there's no need to change it.
And when you're saying goodbye
When things come to an end...
Know that you really did try
...remember that you put in the effort.
Right and wrong
The concepts of right and wrong...
Coming on
...are becoming apparent.
Love is on
The presence of love is felt.
That's enough
It's all that's needed.
Coming on
Continuing to become apparent.
Fast enough
At a reasonable pace.
Fast enough
At a reasonable pace.
Pass it on
Spread the word.
Pass it on
Spread the word.
Rise above
Overcome negativity and strive for something better.
Rise above
Overcome negativity and strive for something better.
Coming on
Continuing to become apparent.
Coming on
Continuing to become apparent.
Contributed by Reagan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.