"A Change Would Do You Good" is the fourth single from American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow's 1996 self-titled album. The song uses a series of non sequitur lyrics to describe what one should change in life. It became Crow's third top-five single from the album in Canada, where it reached number two, and peaked at number eight in the United Kingdom. Background and lyrics In an interview with Songfacts, guitarist Jeff Trott revealed "A Change Would Do You Good" was written in New Orleans during a six-month stay with co-writers Sheryl Crow and Brian MacLeod. The group decided to create a song by looking into classic soul music for inspiration, specifically by the Staple Singers and Mavis Staples. Eventually, the trio came up with so many lyric ideas that they resorted to drawing them out of a hat, putting together similar lines so they made sense. The lyrics of the song are mostly abstract, but they work together to highlight what one needs to change in life. Each verse also has a meaning. According to Trott, the first verse is about music producer Bill Bottrell, who left in the middle of the album's production, angering Crow. Trott admitted that even though the lyrics were derogatory, they were more playful than harsh. The second verse was inspired by Madonna—who had begun to tone down her sexual image during the song's conception—as well as a few other people who were not named. Crow decided to make the final verse about herself but had to convince Trott and MacLeod to do so. Critical reception Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Sheryl Crow's current eponymous collection proves to be knee-deep in solid radio entries. The set's third single is yet another infectious toe-tapper that has the fun vibe of a freewheeling campfire sing-along-but with the kind of biting and intelligent lyrics that have elevated Crow miles above the current glut of guitar-slingin' women. There's no question that pop and mainstream rock programmers will be going out of the way to put this winner on the air ASAP." A reviewer from Music Week rated the song three out of five, stating that "Crow is in familiar country-lite territory". David Sinclair from The Times described it as a "typical mid-tempo chug delivered in her tough but sexy drawl". Music videos Several versions of a music video were shot. The first video, directed by Crow and Lance Acord, features