I was born by the river in a little tent
Just like that river, I've been runnin' ever since
It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change gonna come, ooh
It's been too hard livin' but I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long time comin'
But I know a change gonna come, oh
I go to the movies and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, see
Then I go to my brother
And I say, brother, help me please
Oh, 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 for 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, oh