I was born by the river
In a little tent
Just like that river, I've been runnin'
Ever since

It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change is gonna come
Yes it will

It's been too hard livin'
I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky

It's been a long
Such a long time comin', but I know
A change is gonna come
Yes it will

Then, I go to the movies
And I go downtown
And someone keep on telling me "to don't hang around"

See, it's been a long
A long time comin', God, I know, I know
I know, a change is gonna come
Yes it will

Then I go to my brother
I say, "brother, won't you help me please"
It's just gonna wind up
You wind up knockin' me

Back, back down
Back, back down on my knees
I'm bеggin' please

There been times that I thought
Could not last for long
Now, I think I've finally found thе strength
To carry on

See, it's been a long
Long time comin', but I know
A change is gonna come
A change is gonna come
A change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will