I was born by the river
In an old tent
Oh just like the river
I've been runnin' ever since
It's been a long long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh yes it will

It's been through hard living
And makes me afraid to die
Cause I don't know whats up there
Beyond the sky
It's been a long long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh yeah

Then I go to my brother
I say brother help me please
But he's always wind up knockin' me
Back out on my knees oh

There's been times when I thought
I couldn't last so long
But now that I think i'm able
To try to carry on
It's been a long long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh yes it will