I was born by the river

In a little town

Just like that river

I been runnin' ever since

Its been a long,long time comin

But i know change is gonna come

Its been too hard livin'

But i'm afraid to die

Cause i dont know whats up there;

The other side

Its been a long time comin'

But i know a change is gonna come

I go to the movies, ha

And i go downtown

Somebody keep tellin' me

Dont hang around

Its been a long, long time comin'

But i know a change gon' come

Then i go to my brother

And i say brother, help me please

But he winds up, oh winds up knockin' me

Down on my, knockin me down on my knees

Oh, theres been times that i thought

I wouldnt last too long

But now i know im able to carry on

Its been a long long time comin'

But i know a change is gonna come

Ohh