[Verse 1]
I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like the river, I've been running ever since

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, ooh yes it will

[Verse 2]
It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will

[Verse 3]
Then I go see my brother, say "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up knockin' me down upon my bended knees

[Verse 4]
There've been times when I thought I wouldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gon' come