I was born by the river in a little tent 
And just like that river I've been running ever since 
It's been a long time coming 
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will 

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die 
'Cause I don't know what's out there beyond the sky 
It's been a long, a long time coming 
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will 

And then I go to see my brother 
And I ask him to help me please 
And he just winds up knockin' me 
Back down on my knees 

There were times when I thought I couldn't last for long 
But now I think I'm able to carry on 
It's been a long, been a long time coming 
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will