[Verse 1] I was born by the river In a little tent And just like the river I've been running Ever since [Chorus] It's been a long time coming But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will [Verse 2] It's been too hard living But I'm afraid to die Cause I don't know what's up there Beyond the sky [Chorus] It's been a long time coming But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will [Verse 3] I go to the movie And I go downtown Somebody keep telling me don't hang around [Chorus] It's been a long time coming But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will [Verse 4] Then I go to my brother And I say brother help me please But he winds up knockin' me Back down on my knees There been times when I thought I couldn't last for long But now I think I'm able to carry on [Chorus] It's been a long time coming But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will