I was born by the river in a little tent

Oh And just like that river I've been running ever since

It's been 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

Cos I don't know what's out 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 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 is gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother

And I say brother help me please

And he just winds up knockin' me

Back down on my knees

There been times I thought I couldn't last for long

But now I think I'm able to carry on

It's been a long, been a long time coming

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