L.A. Salami’s new song, “Things Ain’t Changed,” is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. I haven’t been this excited for an album (or anything) for a long time, so when I first heard this song, I had to tell you about it. Take a listen below:
The fifth track on what I have already determined to be my favorite album of the year, The Cause of Doubt & a Reason to Have Faith, is good on so many levels.
The first thing that caught my attention was the authenticity. The guitar sounds raw, rough, providing the feeling of being there in the room with L.A. Salami, and in the age of COVID-19 taking away all live concerts and closing venues, this kind of experience is exactly what I’m looking for in my music right now.
Beyond the guitar, “Things Ain’t Changed” is reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” There’s a very improvised sounding piano that is adding some great melodies and chordal support. There’s this high string sound that draws my attention. And the drums and bass are keeping the groove going. When the full band kicks in it’s like you’re transported into the era of peace, love, and groovy tunes. I love it.
But, what I love more than the feeling of this song, are the lyrics.
“Things Ain’t Changed” Lyrics
In the context of knowing
“Things Ain’t Changed” lyrics by L.A. Salami
The whims in the vortex of growing pains,
The gains seem larger
The more knowledge you obtain…
But that changes the stage,
Not the crude realms of the actor’s brain…
Things ain’t changed,
The play’s the same,
And you just have to play your part.
To live life’s the aim,
In a decent way,
But decent ain’t always
where you start.
It isn’t age, it’s neglection
When intersectionality turns to rage,
The infection that seems to
Consolidate every age…
Like re-reading the same page
About a different complextion…
… And how position rules the day –
… and how separation ain’t the way –
But bonding takes lot of affection…
Things ain’t changed,
‘Cept which master reigns,
And a master has you play your part.
It’s all the same
When you strip away
The progress that dictates
where you start.
Through the subsequent notions
Of what it really means to turn a page
Without gauging the sincerity of your disdain
For the indifferent way status is obtained,
but to be alive is to play the game…
The players change
But the rules remain,
So maybe you should play your part.
And if my Will’s my bane,
From which I can ascertain,
Then maybe I should make a start.
Things ain’t changed,
‘Cept which master reigns,
And a master will have you play your part.
To live life’s the aim,
In a decent way,
But decent ain’t always
Where you start.
If you enjoyed “Things Ain’t Changed,” I highly recommend listening to the next track on the album, “The Cage.” If you’re a fan of thought-provoking lyricism, L.A. Salami is the artist for you.
About L.A. Salami
Lookman Adekunle Salami – ‘L.A. Salami’ – is a rare breed of musician that the world has been craving since the height of storytelling legends like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Neil Young. Not quite folk, not quite indie, not quite common and certainly not boring, L.A. Salami’s lyricism and voice are hypnotic.
Follow L.A. Salami on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and their website.
If you enjoyed this song, check out some of the other songs I love here. If you really enjoy what I’m doing here and would like to support me, please go here.
<3