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

It's been a long time coming
But I know 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
In the sky

It's been a long time coming
But I know change gonna come

I go the movies
And I go downtown
Somebody keep telling mee, don't
Don't hang around

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he rise up knocking me back on my knees
There's been times that I thought I would not last for long
Now I think I may grow
To carrie on

It's been a long time coming
But I know change gonna come
Oh yes, it will