I was born by the river
In a little town
Just like that river
I been runnin' ever since
It's been a long, long time comin
But I know change is gonna come
It's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die,
Cause I don't know what's up there
The other side
It's 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
It's 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, there's been times when I thought
That I wouldn't last too long
But now I know I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change is gonna come
Ohh