I was born by the river in a little tent

Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since

It's been a long a long time coming

But I know a change gon' come oh yes it will

It's been too 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 a long time coming

But I know a change gon' come oh yes it will

There been times when I thought I couldn't last for long

But now I think I'm able to carry on

It's been a long a long time coming

But I know a change gon' come oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother

And I say Brother help me please

But he winds up knockin' me

Back down on my knees

Sometimes I am in hope and sometimes I am down

But I know one day my life will turn out right

It's been a long a long time coming

But I know a change gon' come oh yes it will

Oh yes it will

One another day you gonna be ready

Bring your life to turn around