I was born by the river
In a little town
Just like that river
I been runnin' ever since

I'ts been a long, long time comin
But I know change is gonna come
I'ts been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die,
Cause I don't know what's up there
The other side

I'ts been a long time comin'
But I know a change is gonna come
I go to the movies, ha
And I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin' me

Don't hang around

It's been a long, long time comin'
But I know a change gon' come

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother, help me please
But he winds up, oh winds up knockin' me
Down on my, knockin me down on my knees
Oh, there's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last too long
But now I know I'm able to carry on

I'ts been a long long time comin'
But I know a change is gonna come
ohh