Meaning and Lyrics of Small Change by DON WEST

The song “Small Change” by Don West appears to explore themes of love, loss, regret, and the impact of money on relationships. The lyrics suggest a narrative of a person who has experienced heartbreak and realizes that material possessions, represented by “small change,” are not sufficient to mend a broken relationship.

In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that they have limited financial resources (“small change”) which prevent them from being able to impress or treat their partner in the way they desire. This lack of material wealth is contrasted with the notion that the emotional and personal value they offer is far greater.

The pre-chorus introduces the idea of loss and heartache, symbolized by a “hole in my pocket” representing emptiness and pain. Despite this, there is a sense that the singer now has enough money to take their partner out, hinting at a desire to make amends or rekindle the relationship.

The chorus emphasizes the importance of not letting a good thing, likely the relationship, die. It encourages the listener to work at keeping the love alive and not allowing it to wither away despite challenges.

In the second verse, the lyrics explore the idea that certain aspects of a relationship, like innocence and trust, cannot be bought back or replaced easily. The reference to a “pack of cigarettes” may symbolize temporary pleasures or mistakes that cannot undo the deeper emotional damage caused.

The second pre-chorus delves further into the consequences of the breakup, mentioning regret and the inability to reverse the past actions or words that led to the separation. The imagery of sharing things “you regret” suggests mutual pain and missteps in the relationship.

Ultimately, the repetition of the chorus reinforces the plea to preserve and nurture the relationship rather than allowing it to falter or fade away. The song seems to convey a message of resilience, learning from mistakes, and fighting to keep love alive despite the challenges and setbacks that may occur.