I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming

But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die

Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will


I go to the movie and I go downtown somebody keep telling me don't hang around


It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will


Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knockin' me

Back down on my knees

Ohhhhhhhhh...


There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on

It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will