| I was born by the river in a little old tent |
| Just like that river I’ve been running ever since |
| It’s been a long time, long time coming |
| But a change is gonna come, oh, yes, it will |
| It’s been too hard living but I’m afraid to die |
| 'Cause now I know what’s up there beyond that blue sky |
| It’s been a long time, long time coming |
| But a change is gonna come, oh, yes it will |
| I had to go downtown to see my brother, my dear brother |
| I asked my brother, «Won't you help me please?» |
| He turned me down, he turned me down |
| So I went to see my mother, my dear mother |
| I said, «Mother, mother, I’m down on my knees» |
| There’s been times when I thought I couldn’t last too long |
| But now I think I’m able, I’m able to carry on |
| It’s been a long time, long time coming |
| But a change is gonna come |
| It’s been a long, long time coming |
| But a change is gonna come |