[Verse 1]
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Just like the river, I've been runnin' ever since

[Chorus]
It's been a long
Long time comin', but I know that
A change is gonna come

[Verse 2]
It's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky

[Chorus]
It's been a long
Long time comin', but I know that
A change is gonna come
Mmm, mmm

[Verse 3]
You know I had to talk to my brother
I said, "Brother, could you help me please"
Thought I ought to talk to my own mother
I said, "Mama, I'm down on my knees"
[Verse 4]
There were times that I thought
That I wouldn't last too long
Somehow, I been able
Just about carry on

[Chorus]
It's been a long
Long time comin', but I know that a change
A change is gonna come
Mmm, mmm

[Outro]
Yes, a change is gon' come