I was born by the river in a little tent
And oh, just like that river I've been runnin' ever since
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change's gon' come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard livin' but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change's gon' come, oh yes it will

Now I go to the movies and I go downtown
But somebody keeps tellin' me don't hand around
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change's gon' come, oh yes it will

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

There's been times that I thought I wouldn't last for long
Now I think I'm able, able to carry on
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change's gon' come, yes it will, oh