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 coming But I know a change gonna come oh yes it will it's been too hard livin' But I'm afraid to die Cause I don't know whatfs up there Beyond the sky It's been a long a long time comin' But I know a change gonna come oh yes it will I go to the movie and I go downtown Somebody keep telling me don't hang around It's been a long a long time coming But I know a change gonna come oh yes it will Then I go to my brother And I say brother help me please But he winds up knocking me Back down on my knees 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 coming But I know a change gonna come oh yes it will I know a change gonna come