I was born by the river In a little tent Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin' Ever since It's been a long A long time comin', but I know A change gon' come Oh, yes it will 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 A long time comin', but I know A change gon' come Oh, yes it will I go to the movie And I go downtown Somebody keep tellin' me "don't hang around" It's been a long A long time comin', but I know A change gon' come Oh, yes it will Listen to me, baby Then I go to my brother And I say, "Brother, help me please" But he winds up Knockin' me Back down on my knees Lor', there been times that I thought I couldn't last for long But now I think I'm able to Carry on It's been a long A long time comin', but I know A change gon' come Oh, yes it will