Sometimes I get the feeling
That I won't be on this planet for very long
I really like it here
I'm quite attached to it; I hope I'm wrong

All I really want to say
You're the reason I want to stay
I loved you before I met you
And I met you just in time
Because there was nothing left

I sat here on my suitcase
In our empty new apartment
'til the sun went down
And I walked back down the stairs
With all my bags and drove away
You must be freaking out

All I know is I got to be
Where my heart says I ought to be
It often makes no sense, in fact
I never understand these things I feel

Don't change your plans for me
I won't move to LA
The leaves are falling back east
That's where I'm going to stay

You have made me smile again
In fact I might be sore from it
It's been awhile
I know we've been together
Many times before
I'll see you on the other side

Don't change your plans for me
I won't move to LA
The leaves are falling back east
That's where I'm going to stay

All I really want to say
You're the reason I want to stay
But destiny is calling
And I told them when my time is up
I'm out of here

All I know is I got to be
Where my heart says I ought to be
It often makes no sense, in fact
I never understand these things I feel

I love you, good bye
I love you, good bye



Lyrics submitted by kevin

Track duration: 05:11

"Don't Change Your Plans [Version]" as written by Ben Folds

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Don't Change Your Plans song meanings
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31 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:This is actually the second of three songs Ben has about moving to L.A. from the East Coast, and on of many about his reluctance to become part of American pop culture which eventually leads to his now living in Canada.
    Flag Writer86on November 26, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Man goes to LA with a girl. Who was there for him when he needed someone. Maybe doesnt mean as much now considering he'd rather be home back east than stay in LA with her. Considers living there (on this planet). Planet because its a different world from back east. Decides to go home but thanks her. Almost like a dear john letter.
    Flag benjammin11on December 19, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think the meaning has been hit on this one. I just want to say that I love the Burt Bacharach-style horn break after the 2nd chorus.
    Flag colum1225on July 18, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Seriously? Why does the entire "Unauthorized Biography..." look like it was transcribed by ee cummings?
    Flag tiamaat666on October 29, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song is about a relationship vs. career issue. He initially wants to stay out east with his girl, even though he has thought about moving to L.A. -- a big city with a lot of possible opportunities.

    By the end of the song, however, he has realized that "destiny's calling" and that he needs to move on with his life and leave the girl he loves, and so he does. The final line "I love you, goodbye" sums up the whole paradox in the rest of the song -- he loves her, but he ultimately has to leave her.
    Flag jhillston July 22, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Sometimes Love is just not enough...

    however strong your feeling could be for someone, aware enough that she probably saved your life
    it still can easily fall apart too when things don't feel half right, feeling stuck where it isn't turning out as you expected..
    so but here it seems like he's clearly putting all the blame on himself,
    unable to cope or say why, as when you're just too undecided yourself, before you know it ruins it totally, and splits two people apart over too much indecisions.
    and so here in that impass of the wrong time so that no one is hurting anymore, he gets ahead and choses to leave, sort of on tip toes...
    although it seems like he wants to remain hopefull somehow as for a better time, in the future, by sayin' "see you on the other side"...
    Flag naivadaon May 31, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i always thought that this was a song about how he's dying, and how he'd rather just 'go', and not have to have her worry and change her plans to fit him
    Flag SgtReznoron February 03, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song completely describes my relationship issue. How could Ben Folds be so good at writing music, and knowing how to write so well that other people can relate to it in their lives.

    He is amazing, and this is the truth.
    Flag RachelReplayon January 20, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:only once did i love someone and had to say goodbye. i love this song.
    Flag making_a_sceneon December 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:"That works, but I'm going for the death issue just because Ben Folds Five seems to cover those REALLY hard issues. I don't actually know tho."

    Having been someone who seems to always be in a geographical problem with relationships, I must say that this is definitely a REALLY hard issue. Geography has been the cause and effect of so many anxious nights, tears, lost love and heartache for me.
    Flag demeatloafon September 06, 2007   Link

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