[Pre-Hook 1: Radical Son]
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river
I've been running ever since
[Hook: Radical Son]
It's been a long
Long time coming
But I know
Change gon' come
Oh yes it will
[Verse 1: Nookie]
I was born by the river in a small coastal town
Where the smell of the strange fruit still floats around
I was shown that tree where the fruits used to swing
They was strung up as [?] swayin' in the wind
With blood on the wattle, trees with lifeless limbs
I turned away and then cringed, mum said "Listen to them sing"
Then I heard the breeze bring the terrible thing
All that's changed now is that rope's a tire swing
[Verse 2: Ozi Batla]
Change, well it won't happen in a day
They said eventually, how many weeks, decades or centuries?
Mistakes made, they can't be washed away so simply
And symbolisms weak medicine for grievous injury
False smiles, frontin' false idols hiding discrimination
A feel good slogan, some self congratulation
Empty statements, while the hangman's ghost is still waiting
In the lockup, the paddy wagon, 12 shells on the pavement
[Pre-Hook 2: Jane Tyrrell]
It's been too hard living
But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky
[Hook: Jane Tyrrell]
It's been a long
Long time coming
But I know
Change gon' come
Oh yes it will
[Verse 3: Sky High]
Ayy
It's all about history but that's his story and I'm tryna tell ya 'bout mine
Still coppin' chases from the bacon, my brother taken by swine
They're the biggest gang in my country, the ones that pack the Glock Nine
And them guns be with them Gunjies who say they're here to stop crime
Now that ain't that ironic, no Alanis, but you oughta know the truth
The Queen was boss when they stole us, the Kings Cross and they shoot
Surrounded by abuse, lemme tell what I'ma do
I'ma rep for all my youth with the big F.U. to the boys in blue
They picked the wrong time
[Pre-Hook 3: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son]
Go to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me
Don't go hang around
[Hook: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son]
It's been a long
Long time coming
But I know
Change gon' come
Oh yes it will
[Verse 4: Nookie]
We thought the war was over, but nah, we have to fight more
We got the right to vote, but I don't see no one to vote for
Devoted to the cause, I live for everything I'd die for
Yeah, have my shoes, take a walk, try to understand my life and
My dreamin', the government is scheming
Oops, I mean they're intervening
Mind the land while we're leavin', but we ain't leavin'
These words are my last [?]
The past can't be changed but our future can
[Bridge: Radical Son]
So I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees
[Verse 5: Sky High (Urthboy)]
First up, I'ma change the flag, southern cross, leave that
Exchange the union jack for that red, yellow and black
Sick and tired of waiting for change so I'm making a change today
An' I beg that my people out beggin' be given a new begginin', okay!
A long time (Long time) Too long if you asked me
(Said a change gon' come) Long gone (Long gone) Has been
Only way to move on is to get along, you better not get it wrong
'Cause after all (Aren't we all) one under the sun, I'm done
[Pre-Hook 4: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son]
Oh, there's been times when I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
[Hook: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son]
It's been a long
Long time coming
And I know
Change gon' come
Oh yes it will