‘Sweet Magnolias’ Soundtrack: Everything You Need to Know about “Change Is Gonna Come”

Sweet Magnolias is Netflix’s newest binge-worthy drama, a sweet Southern show about ladies living their lives in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina. Viewers are thoroughly obsessed with everything about the show, from that charismatic cast to the breezy town that serves as the show’s backdrop.

There’s another aspect of the show that will pull you in immediately: the music! The music really gives the show a down home vibe, and you’re going to want to add some of these songs to your summer playlist. But what are those songs? What’s the Sweet Magnolias theme song and what’s up with “Change Is Gonna Come”? Here’s everything we know!

What is the Sweet Magnolias theme song?

The opening credits to Sweet Magnolias are set to the song “Destination” by folk pop trio Nickel Creek. The song comes from their 2014 album A Dotted Line and it was nominated for a Grammy in 2015 in the Best American Roots Performance category. Here’s the group doing a live performance of the song back in 2014.

But what about “Change Is Gonna Come”?

The other standout song in the first episode of Sweet Magnolias is “Change Is Gonna Come,” which plays during Maddie’s emotional breakdown back at her home. She smashes her ex’s “world’s best dad” mug and then does some aggressive remodeling of their once shared closet. The song playing is “Change Is Gonna Come” and it’s by Katie Pruitt.

Now, note that this is not the same as “A Change Is Gonna Come,” which was written and performed by Sam Cooke as a Civil Rights anthem in 1964. That song has been covered by everyone from Otis Redding and Tina Turner to Aretha Franklin and Al Green. This song, the one heard in Sweet Magnolias, is not a cover of “A Change Is Gonna Come.” It’s “Change Is Gonna Come,” and it’s a totally different song. And if it sounds familiar, that’s because it’s also popped up on recent episodes of Nancy Drew and Station 19.

What are the “Change Is Gonna Come” lyrics?

The lyrics we hear in the show go like this…

My eyes are on the high road
In my bags, they send the sun
The dark is comin’ and the daylight’s almost gone
But a change is gonna come

Somethin’ on the horizon
Yeah, it’s beatin’ like a drum
I hear it comin’ and I know it won’t be long
But a change is gonna come

Who is Katie Pruitt and how can you listen to “Change Is Gonna Come”?

Katie Pruitt is a 26-year-old country musician from Atlanta who currently lives in Nashville. She attended Belmont University in Nashville where she quickly started racking up awards and accolades for her talent as a songwriter. She released her debut album, Expectations, in February to critical acclaim. She gained notoriety for her single “Loving Her,” and her music deals in part with the conflict Pruitt felt as a lesbian who was raised Catholic.

As for “Change Is Gonna Come,” well, it’s not on Expectations. In fact, it’s not available for purchase anywhere, nor is a version of it even uploaded to YouTube. So far, it looks like the only way to listen to the song is to, well, watch Sweet Magnolias. Surely that will change after all the attention this song is getting.

You can follow Katie Pruitt on Instagram at @katiepruittmusic and on Twitter at @KPmusik.

Stream Sweet Magnolias on Netflix