I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river I've been running since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will
It's been hard living, but I'm afraid to die
Cause I don't know whats up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know change gon' come, oh yes it will
I go to the movie and I go down town
Somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will
Then I go to my bother
And I say, Brother, help me please.
But he winds up knockin' me
Back on my knees
There been times that I thought I couldn't last long
But know I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon' come, oh yes it will