I was born by the river in a little tent Just like that river, I've been runnin' ever since It's been a long, long time comin' But I know a change gonna come Oh yes it will It's been too hard a-livin' but I'm afraid to die I don't know what's up there beyond the sky It's been a long, long time comin' But I know a change gonna come Oh yes it will Then I go to my brother I say "Brother help me please" But he winds up knockin' me Back down, back down on my knees Whoa there've been times, I couldn't last for long Now I think I'm able to carry on It's been a long, long time comin' But I know a change gonna come Oh yes it will It's been too hard a-livin' but I'm afraid to die I don't know what's up there beyond the sky It's been a long, long time comin' But I know a change gonna come Oh yes it will It's been a long, long time comin' But I know a change gonna come Oh yes it will