music/change
Inspired by the proverb, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness”, change was written as a reflection on how easy it is to blame the darkness—and how much harder it is to do the work of lighting something small and real. The song begins simply and builds into something collective, mirroring the kind of change it imagines.
change
by damian israel shiner
don’t blame the dark when you can light a candle
love is the spark, there’s nothing we can’t handle
don’t blame the dark, you gotta find the light inside
we can change the world with our hearts open wide
nothing that you ever do feels right
nothing that you ever do or say seems to matter
when you want change
how can you ever make things right?
how can just one of us even make a difference
when it always seems like night?
lost in the darkness, paralyzed
feels like it’ll never change, but…
don’t blame the dark when you can light a candle
love is the spark, there’s nothing we can’t handle
don’t blame the dark, you gotta find the light inside
we can change the world with our hearts open wide
nothing comes easy without price
anything worth it really takes some effort
when you want change
how can you ever make things right?
swallow the pill that makes the world feel better
but you gotta take some time
it’s more than a wishful thought
and you may find
it’s easier said than done
but when you back your words
with meaningful work
you’re saving the world
don’t blame the dark when you can light a candle
love is the spark, there’s nothing we can’t handle
don’t blame the dark, you gotta find the light inside
we can change the world with our hearts open wide
© 2024 damian israel shiner. All Rights Reserved.
A shorter radio edit, beginning at the full-band entrance, is also available for campaign, movement, or video use.
“change” became a constant during the band’s weekly livestream series #saturdayshortset, where it was the one song damian played every week for three years. Over time, it became a touchstone for listeners—often requested, often commented on, and frequently described as a favorite.
More about the series here.
© 2026 by the displayers.