I was born by the river
In a little tent
Ooh just like the river I've been running
ever since

CHORUS:
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I, I know
A change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

It's been too hard living
But I am afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky

CHORUS
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I, I know
A change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

There's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last for long
But somehow I think I'm able
to carry on

CHORUS
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know, I know
A change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will

And then I go to my mother
(Mother.. Can you help me)
I said, "Mother, could you help me please?"
(Help me.. Help me please)
She said, "I'd like to, I really would but I'm just not able"
Then I looked around and I was right back down
Down on my knees

There's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last for long
But somehow I think I'm able
To carry on

CHORUS
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know
A change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will