
A Change Would Do You Good

"A Change Would Do You Good" is the fourth single from Sheryl Crow's 1996 eponymous album. The song uses a series of non sequitur lyrics to describe what one should change in life. It became Crow's third top-five single from the album in Canada, where it reached number two, and peaked at number eight in the United Kingdom.
Background and lyrics.
In an interview with Songfacts, guitarist Jeff Trott revealed "A Change Would Do You Good" was written in New Orleans during a six-month stay with co-writers Sheryl Crow and Brian MacLeod. The group decided to create a song by looking into classic soul music for inspiration, specifically by The Staple Singers and Mavis Staples. Eventually, the trio came up with so many lyric ideas that they resorted to drawing them out of a hat, putting together similar lines so they made sense.
The lyrics of the song are mostly abstract, but they work together to highlight what one needs to change in life. Each verse also has a meaning. According to Trott, the first verse is about music producer Bill Bottrell, who left in the middle of the album's production, angering Crow. Trott admitted that even though the lyrics were derogatory, they were more playful than harsh. The second verse was inspired by Madonna—who had begun to tone down her sexual image during the song's conception—as well as a few other people who were not named. Crow decided to make the final verse about herself but had to convince Trott and MacLeod to do so.
Critical reception.
Larry Flick from "Billboard" wrote, "Sheryl Crow's current eponymous collection proves to be knee-deep in solid radio entries. The set's third single is yet another infectious toe-tapper that has the fun vibe of a freewheeling campfire sing-along-but with the kind of biting and intelligent lyrics that have elevated Crow miles above the current glut of guitar-slingin' women. There's no question that pop and mainstream rock programmers will be going out of the way to put this winner on the air ASAP."
Music videos.
Several versions of a music video were shot. The first video, directed by Crow and Lance Acord, features Crow standing in the middle of a New York City street playing a guitar while a second Crow is throwing her possessions (and eventually herself) out of an apartment building window. This video appears on the DVD "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow" and was shot in black and white.
The second video, directed by Michel Gondry, shows Crow similar to the character Samantha Stephens from the TV sitcom fantasy "Bewitched". She switches around characters' lives, such as a cab driver and teen garage band singer. Notable guests include Mary Lynn Rajskub, Heather Matarazzo, Jeff Garlin, Ellen DeGeneres, Molly Shannon, Andy Dick and Toby Huss. This video appears on the DVD compilation "". This video received negative reaction from critics due to too much dialogue during the song, and was "jeered" by "TV Guide". The video was later re-edited with less dialogue.
The final video is taken from a VH1 live performance.
Live performances.
Crow performed the song at President Obama's 2008 Inaugural Ball for the Midwest States. She also performed the song on her live album "".
Track listings.
US promo CD
UK CD single