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REO Speedwagon's 1971 debut album was with their original lead singer, Terry Luttrell. Kevin Cronin took over that role for their next effort, R.E.O./T.W.O. (1972), but it was rough sledding, and while they were making their third album, Ridin' the Storm Out (1973), he left over conflict with guitarist Gary Richrath and other creative tensions. Cronin returned to the band in 1976, which meant moving from Chicago to Los Angeles, where they had relocated. On that trip, he had lots of time to think about all the changes in his life, and how he was (quite literally) rolling with them.


The song hit him in a flash: he started writing the lyrics on a brown paper bag in his Ford Pinto while he was driving. Released as the first single from their 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish, the song became their biggest hit to that point, reaching #58.






Lyrics


As soon as you are able, woman I am willing To make the break that we are on the brink of My cup is on the table, my love is spilling Waiting here for you to take and drink of

So if you're tired of the same old story, Oh, turn some pages I will be here when you are ready To roll with the changes, yeah, yeah

I knew it had to happen, felt the tables turnin' Got me through my darkest hour I heard the thunder clappin', felt the desert burnin' Until you poured on me like a sweet sunshower

So if you're tired of the same old story Oh, turn some pages I will be here when you are ready To roll with the changes, ooooh

So if you're tired of the same old story Oh baby, turn some pages I will be here when you are ready To roll with the changes, baby, Roll with the changes, Ah you know you know you know you got to

Oh yeah (Keep on rollin'), oooh roll with the changes Keep on rollin' (keep on rollin' keep on rollin') Oh now roll with the changes oh baby

Oh you got to learn to roll with the changes Got to, got to, got to, got to keep on rollin' Keep on rollin', got to learn to, got to learn to, Got to learn to roll

Keep on rollin', keep on rollin', oooh Keep on rollin', keep on rollin', oooh Keep on rollin', keep on rollin', oooh Keep on rollin', keep on rollin', oooh, aah



Songwriters: Kevin Patrick Cronin Roll with the Changes lyrics © BMG Rights Management






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