I was born by the river, in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river
I've been running 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 living

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 coming
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, knockin' me
Back down on my knees
Oh, 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