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 is 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 is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

I go to the movies
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 is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

And when I go to my brother
I say, brother, help me please
But he winds up, knockin' me
Back down on my knees

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

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

Copyright: Abkco Music Inc.
Writer(s): Sam Cooke