Don't Change On Me

Album: Genius & Soul: 50th Anniversary Collection (1971)
Charted: 36
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by Jimmy Holiday and Eddie Reeves for the ABC-Tangerine label, although Reeves at the time was still working for United Artists Music. It was Reeves' first success as a songwriter. "Don't Change On Me" ended up on Charles' album Love Country Style.
  • Eddie Reeves wrote the melody and the lyrics for the chorus, then had Jimmy Holiday have a go at writing the verses. Disappointed with the first result, he handed it back to Holiday again, telling him this time to think of church. Eddie Reeves told us: "A radio promotion man who worked for Ray's company called to tell me there was a possibility that our song could be released as Ray's next single but that the decision would be heavily influenced by what this promotion man reported to Ray. The promotion man then hinted that I should consider doing something 'nice' for him to increase the chance of our song being selected as the next single. I asked what he meant and he told me that recently someone had bought him a pair of alligator shoes, and that it would be good if I bought him another pair. He told me the store where I could buy them, his size, and how much they cost. I couldn't believe it. It was Hollyweird. I ignored his request and it had no effect on our song 'Don't Change On Me' being released as Ray's next single." (Check out Eddie Reeves' story.)
  • Alan Jackson recorded this song on his album Like Red on a Rose, released in 2006.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Bryan Adams

Bryan AdamsSongwriter Interviews

What's the deal with "Summer of '69"? Bryan explains what the song is really about, and shares more of his songwriting insights.