I was born by the river 
In a little tent, and o 
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 
'Cause I don't know what's up there 
Beyond the sky 

It's been 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 tellin me 
Don't hang around 

It's been 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 
But he wind up (knocking) me 
Back down on my knees 

There have been times that I thought 
I couldn't last for long 
But now I think I'm able to carry on 

It's been a long time, but I know 
A change is gonna come, oh yes it will