I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh 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 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 see my brother
And I say him to help me please
And he just winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees

There been times when 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