I was born by the river
In a little tent
Just like the river Ive 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 im afraid to die
Cause I dont 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 dont 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 couldnt last for long
I know I need to carry on
Its been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it wi