I was born by a river
In a little tent, and o
Just like this river
I've been running ever since

It's been a long long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is

It's been too hard living
But I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there
Beyond the clouds

It's been a long, long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is

There was a time I would go to my brother
I say brother, say brother, help me please
He turned me down and then I go to my mother (oh my mother)
I say: Mother I'm down on my knees

There was a time that I thought
I couldn't last too long
But somehow I was able to carry on

It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is
It's been a long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is

It's been a long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is