Aretha Franklin

Lyrics

[Intro]
There's an old friend that
I once heard say
Something that touched my heart
And it began this way

[Verse 1]
I was born by the river
In a little tent
And just like the river
I've been running ever since

[Chorus]
He said it's been a long time coming
But I know my change is gonna come, oh yeah

[Verse 2]
He said it's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die
I might not be if I knew what was up there
Beyond the sky

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know my change is got to come, oh yeah
[Verse 4]
I went, I went to my brother
And I asked him, "Brother
Could you help me, please?"
He said, "Good sister
I'd like to but I'm not able"
And when I, when I looked around
I was right back down
Down on my bended knees, yes I was, oh

[Verse 5]
There've been times that I thought
I thought that I wouldn't last for long
But somehow, right now
I believe that I'm able, I'm able to carry on
I tell you that it's been a long
And oh, it's been an uphill journey, all the way

[Chorus]
But I know, I know, I know
I know my change is gonna come

[Verse 6]
Sometimes
I had to cry all night long, yes I did
Sometimes
I had to give up right, for what I knew was wrong
Yes. it's been an uphill journey
It's sure's been a long way coming, yes it has
It's been real hard, every step of the way
But I believe, I believe
[Chorus]
This evening my change is come
Yeah, I tell you that my change is comeEmbed

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, covered the iconic Sam Cooke song, "A Change Is Gonna Come," and her rendition is a masterpiece that will leave you in awe. The song is a powerful expression of hope and optimism, and it has become a timeless classic that continues to inspire generations of music lovers. The track was released in 1967, at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and it served as a rallying cry for those who were fighting for freedom and equality.

About A Change Is Gonna Come

"A Change Is Gonna Come" was originally written and performed by Sam Cooke in 1964, and it quickly became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The song was inspired by Cooke's own experiences with racism and discrimination, and it captured the emotional struggles of African Americans during a time when segregation was still rampant in the United States.

Two years after the original release of the song, Aretha Franklin covered it and put her own spin on it. Franklin's version of the song was more soulful and emotional than Cooke's, and it quickly became a hit. The lyrics of the song remained the same, but Franklin's soulful voice added an extra layer of depth and intensity to the track.

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is a song that resonates with people all over the world, regardless of their race, gender, or ethnicity. It speaks to the universal desire for hope and change, and it reminds us that we should never give up in the face of adversity. The song is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and it continues to inspire people to this day.

The song's lyrics are poetic and poignant, and they capture the hope and optimism that were prevalent during the Civil Rights Movement. The opening lines of the song, "I was born by the river in a little tent / Oh, and just like the river, I've been running ever since," speak to the struggles faced by African Americans, who were often forced to leave their homes and communities in search of a better life.

The chorus of the song, "It's been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come," is a powerful expression of hope and perseverance. The line is repeated throughout the song, and each time it is sung, it becomes more powerful and moving.

Franklin's version of the song is a testament to her incredible talent as a vocalist. Her soulful voice adds a layer of emotion and passion to the track that is unlike anything else. The track features a simple arrangement of piano, bass, and drums, which allows Franklin's voice to shine through and take center stage.

In addition to its musical and emotional impact, "A Change Is Gonna Come" also played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement. The song was embraced by activists and organizers who used it as a rallying cry for change. It became an anthem that gave hope and inspiration to those who were fighting for freedom and equality.

In the years since its release, "A Change Is Gonna Come" has become a classic that is beloved by people all over the world. It has been covered by countless artists, and it has been featured in movies, television shows, and documentaries. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of hope and optimism.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin's rendition of "A Change Is Gonna Come" is a masterpiece that will leave you moved and inspired. The song's powerful lyrics, combined with Franklin's soulful voice, make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with people all over the world. The song is a reminder that we should never give up in the face of adversity and that hope and change are always possible.

If you haven't heard "A Change Is Gonna Come" before, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. It's a song that will stay with you long after the music has ended, and it will remind you of the incredible power of music to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

• Release Date: March 10, 1967
• Artist: Aretha Franklin