There's an old friend that I once heard say Something that touched my heart And it began this way I was born by the river In a little tent And just like the river I've been runnin ever since He said it's been a long time comin' But I know my change is gonna come Oh yeah He said it's been too hard livin' But I'm afraid to die I might not be if I knew What was up there Beyond the sky It's been a long, a long time comin' But I know my change has got to come Oh yeah I went, I went to my brother And I asked him, brother Could you help me, please? He said, good sister I'd like to but I'm not able And when I, when I looked around I was right back down Down on my bended knees Yes I was, oh There've been times that I thought I thought that I wouldn't last for long But somehow right now I believe That I'm able, I'm able to carry on I tell you that it's been along And oh it's been an uphill journey All the way But I know, I know, I know I know my change is gonna come Sometimes I had to cry all night long Yes I did Sometimes I had to give up right For what I knew was wrong Yes it's been an uphill journey It's sure's been a long way comin Yes it has It's been real hard Every step of the way But I believe, I believe This evenin' my change is come Yeah I tell you that My change is come