“Change (In the House of Flies)” by Deftones
It wouldn’t be out of the way to postulate that Deftones’ “Change (In the House of Flies)” may have in part been inspired by The Fly. The Fly is a classic sci-fi/horror film(s) that American moviegoers, especially of the 20th century, are very familiar with. For in that story, as in these lyrics, a person ‘changes into a fly’.
But Chino Moreno, the singer, has specified that this is “a metaphorical song”. And based on his terse explanation in its entirety, it seems that “Change (In the House of Flies)” is supposed to be something like a tale of karma.
We have the addressee ‘changing into a fly’ or, if taken more allegorically, going through some type of a transformation. In the chorus, it is inferred that said individual is actually enjoying the experience, as in ‘feeling so alive’. But what does the vocalist do, as revealed in the second verse? He takes this person, imprisons him or her and ‘pulls off their wings’. Or put more simply, he stifles and takes away the source of their newfound joy and then ‘laughs’ about it.
But in the third verse, once again going back to Moreno’s explanation, the vocalist, as implied, does meet his fate at the hands of the addressee. And then in the aftermath, the latter once again reclaims that feeling of happiness which Chino previously stole away.
Takeaway
So truth be told, from a lyrical standpoint this is a very unorthodox song. But with Moreno’s explanation in tow, a discernible storyline is ascertainable. And ultimately the title serves as bit of a misdirection, as the narrative isn’t really about the “change” the addressee has gone through per se. Rather this piece reads more distinctly as sort of a revenge fantasy or story of justice, if you will, in which the vocalist clearly does the subject wrong but eventually ends up on the wrong side of a gun, while the addressee, who was his victim, remains chillin’.
Deftones
Deftones is an alt-rock band from Sacramento that has been around since the late 1980s. The act peaked commercially around the turn of the century. Their first three studio albums – “Adrenaline” (1995), “Around the Fur” (1997) and “White Pony” (2000) – all have thus far been certified platinum (by the RIAA). But critically, they’ve been doing well even into the 2020s. For instance, their most-recent studio album as of the writing of this post in 2020’s “Ohms”. That project, despite failing to be certified, made it onto the top 5 of the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart (unlike those previously mentioned).
Facts about “Change (In the House of Flies)”
“Change (In the House of Flies)” is from the aforementioned “White Pony”. This track made it onto the top 10 of Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock charts. Additionally, it peaked at number 3 on the UK Rock & Metal Chart. As such, it actually stands as Deftones biggest hit to date. Furthermore, it has been featured on a couple of notable films. For example, it was used in 2000’s Little Nicky (starring Adam Sandler) and 2002’s Queen of the Damned (starring the late Aaliyah).
Currently and since the late 1990s, Deftones’ lineup has consisted of these:
- singer Chino Moreno
- guitarist Stephen Carpenter
- keyboardist Frank Delgado
- drummer Abe Cunningham
All of four aforementioned musicians participated on “Change (In the House of Flies)”. In those days they were joined by bassist Chi Cheng (1970-2013), who suffered a near-death accident in 2008 that left him unable to participate in the band henceforth. Five of them are credited with writing this song, a process in which Moreno verified that all members of the band did in fact participate in.
The music video to this track, as assembled by its director, Liz Friedlander, was filmed in Hollywood Hills.
“White Pony” was reissued in 2020, in celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary. As part of that package, the entire project was also remixed, with that particular LP being titled “Black Stallion”. And in that instance “Change (In the House of Flies)” was remixed by an English musician known as Tourist. And that mix was also granted its own music video.
The track was put out by Maverick Records, the label that held down Deftones during the band’s early goings.
Deftones’ “White Pony”
“White Pony” was released on the 20th of June, 2000. It was launched as the 3rd studio album of the American alternative rock band.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the album, it was re-released on December 11 of 2020. The reissue contained a bonus remixed album with the title, “Black Stallion”.
Two California based recording studios, Larrabee Sound Studios and Record Plant, were hosts to the band during the album’s recording sessions.
Deftones collaborated with American record producer and heavy metal cum rock music specialist, Terry Date in producing the album.
The album became the band’s first album to have keyboardist Frank Delgado as part of their full-time lineup.
Success of the Album
“White Pony” has become the band’s best-selling album. Aside from its commercial success, it has earned several accolades, including a Grammy award for “Best Metal Performance” for the song, “Elite”
The album was critically praised by the likes of Metacritic and Billboard. According to Alternative Press, the album was 2020’s second best album. Ten years later, it got featured on their list, “Top 10 Most Influential Albums of 2000”.
It was placed at No. 66 on Rolling Stone’s list, “The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”.
Rock and heavy metal music magazine, Metal Hammer placed “White Pony” amongst 2000’s top 20 heavy metal albums. It was 29th on The Guardian’s list, “The 100 best albums of the 21st century”, published in 2019.
“White Pony” put up an impressive performance on charts around the world. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the UK’s OCC. It was No. 7 in Hungary, No. 6 in France, No. 8 in Canada and No. 2 in Australia.
Also, it has been certified platinum by the RIAA in the US and gold in the United Kingdom, Australia as well as in Canada.
Note: This album was marketed by only two singles. The first was “Change (In the House of Flies)”. The second was “Back to School (Mini Maggit)”.
