I was born by the river
In a little tent
Just like the river I've been running
Running ever since
Its been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it will

Its been too hard living
But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know if something
Is beyond the sky
Its been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it will

Then I come to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody keeps telling me don't hang around
Its been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it will

Then I got to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees

There were times when I though
I couldn't last for long
I know I need to carry on
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it will