I was born by the river.. in a little tent

No just like that river I've.. been running ever since

It's been a long.. a long time coming

but I knowowwwww.. a change gon' come

Oh yes it will..

It's been tooooooo 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 tiiiime.. a long time coming

but I knowowwwww.. a change gon' come

Oh yes it will..

And I go.. to my brother (yes I do)

And say, "Brother - help me please" (well well)

But he winds up, knocking me..

I got on my knees, oahhhoooohhhhh

There's been times, that I thought

I wouldn't last too long..

.. but I think I'm able

.. to carry on..

It's been a long..

a long time coming, but I knowowowww..

A change gon' come..

Oh yes it will..