The Changeling (song)

"The Changeling" was the first song that the band recorded during the sessions for L.A. Woman.[6] The song's title was taken from one of Morrison's 1968 notebooks,[7] and refers to the "changeling", a legendary human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. Writer James Riordan has noted that the song's mention of changeling, or spirit child, may be another reference to Morrison's difficult childhood.[8] The funky James Brown-esque composition also appears to anticipate the singer's departure from Los Angeles with the line "I'm leavin' town on the midnight train".[9] Doors' keyboardist Ray Manzarek explained:

The lyrics are prophetic. "I've lived uptown. I've lived downtown, but I've never been so broke that I couldn't leave town." He'd lived on the beach and in the hills. He'd had money and been broke. He'd had his L.A. adventure, and he was out.[10]

Musically, "The Changeling" blends blues rock[1] and funk music.[11] The opening verse is written and performed in the key of A Minor,[12] with the continuation being interpreted in the key of A Major.[13] During the recording session, Morrison remarked "I hate to spook anybody, but this is my favorite number. Play your ass off, boy."[14]

"The Changeling" was first released in April 1971, sequenced as the opening track on the A-side of L.A. Woman.[4][15] The band wanted the song to be the album's first single, but Elektra Records president Jac Holzman overruled the group's decision in favor of "Love Her Madly" and the non-album B-side "(You Need Meat) Don't Go No Further".[7][10] However, later in June 1971 it was issued as the B-side of "Riders on the Storm", edited to 3:27.[3] The track was also performed live by the Doors at State Fair Music Hall in Dallas on December 11, 1970.[16] This live version appears on the 2003 album Boot Yer Butt: The Doors Bootlegs.[17]

On November 25, 1990, when disc jockey Bruce Van Dyke played the song on his radio station one day, a man called in saying, "Why doesn't anyone play this?"[18] Upon its release, "The Changeling" has received comments in several album reviews of L.A. Woman. Writing for AllMusic, critic Richie Unterberger described the song as one of "their better little-heeded album tracks".[19] Will Hermes of Rolling Stone called it a "garage-style classic".[20] Holzman acknowledged it as a "tribute to James Brown",[6] while Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine labeled it a "James Brown funk swagger".[21]

Rolling Stone critic Narendra Kusnur considered it one of Morrison's 10 most underrated songs, particularly praising Manzarek's Hammond organ playing and Morrison's vocal performance.[22] The Guardian cited it as the 16th best Doors track, describing it "a James Brown-reminiscent funk-rock strut heavy on groove and grit."[2]

The Doors

• Jim Morrison – vocals
• Ray Manzarek – Hammond C-3 organ[23][24]
• Robby Krieger – slide guitar[24]
• John Densmore – drums

Additional musicians

• Jerry Scheff – bass guitar[2]

• The Changeling at AllMusic