Change We Must

Song Meaning

Jon Anderson's "Change We Must" operates as a sonic mandala, less a linear narrative and more a cyclical invocation. The opening and recurring phrases—"Oona-a-aya, Tamara ooha, Shana too aya, Lay mi"—function as a mantra, setting the stage for a transformation both personal and planetary. It’s a sonic key unlocking a deeper understanding of the self in relation to the cosmos. The song meaning isn't about concrete events, but rather the feeling of interconnectedness. The core message lies in the imperative "Change we must / To live again." This isn't a passive observation, but an active demand for evolution. The lyrics suggest that this change is intrinsically linked to acknowledging our place within a larger, interconnected web: "Coming to the earth / Singing to the stars." This speaks to a holistic worldview, where earthly existence and cosmic consciousness are not separate but intertwined. The song suggests that personal growth and planetary healing are inextricably linked. Anderson's embrace of seemingly simple phrases like "This is here / This is now / This is love / This is life that surrounds" doesn't indicate a lack of depth, but rather a distillation of complex truths. It's a reminder to be present, to recognize the inherent love and life force that permeates everything. The song urges listeners to embrace the constant flux of existence, to see change not as a threat, but as a necessary catalyst for renewal and ultimately, to live again within a world that is constantly in flux.