Sam Cooke

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been runnin'
Ever since

[Chorus]
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will

[Verse 2]
It's been too hard livin'
But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky

[Chorus]
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will

[Verse 3]
I go to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin' me "don't hang around"
[Chorus]
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will

[Verse 4]
Then I go to my brother
And I say, "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up
Knockin' me
Back down on my knees
Lor', there been times that I thought
I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to
Carry on

[Chorus]
It's been a long
A long time comin', but I know
A change gon' come
Oh, yes it will

Sam Cooke's 1964 R&B hit, "A Change Is Gonna Come," is an iconic pop song closely associated with the African American Civil Rights Movement. It has endured as a powerful tribute to the progress and struggle of a people demanding equity and justice.

With lyrics that resonate as powerfully today as they did over half a century ago, the song has become an anthem of hope, resilience, and perseverance in the face of the oftentimes daunting challenges of fighting for civil rights.

A song that is as timeless and relevant today as it was when it was first released, "A Change Is Gonna Come" exemplifies the power of music to inspire, unite, and motivate people from all walks of life.

About A Change Is Gonna Come

Sam Cooke wrote "A Change Is Gonna Come" at a time in American history when racial tensions were at an all-time high. His inspiration for the song was the emerging Civil Rights Movement, which was gaining steam across the nation with protests, sit-ins, and marches to challenge segregation and demand equal rights for African Americans.

What directed many of the early proponents of the movement, including Cooke, was Bob Dylan's song "Blowin' in the Wind." Dylan's lyrics had a profound impact on Cooke, and he was inspired by the melody, structure, and message of Dylan's song. Cooke wanted to create a song that fulfilled a similar purpose for the Civil Rights Movement, something that could inspire and galvanize people to action.

When Cooke recorded "A Change Is Gonna Come," it was initially met with mixed reviews. Some critics felt that it was too political, while others criticized Cooke's departure from his usual upbeat, gospel-inspired sound. Regardless, the song eventually caught fire and became a permanent fixture in the American music canon.

The song's lyrics are simple yet timeless. Cooke sings of his own experiences with racial discrimination and inequality, but he also offers a message of hope that "a change is gonna come." The song's chorus is optimistic, imploring listeners to "keep on keepin' on" and reassuring them that despite the setbacks and struggles that they will encounter as they fight for equal rights, a brighter future is on the horizon.

Throughout the song, Cooke's vocals are emotional, raw, and authentic. It is clear that he is singing from a place of deep conviction and profound feelings of injustice. Every note he sings is imbued with the passion and urgency that defined the Civil Rights Movement.

There are many reasons why "A Change Is Gonna Come" has endured for so long. It is a haunting reminder of the sacrifices that people made to secure a better future for all. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. And it is a symbol of the power of music to bring people together and drive change.

Sam Cooke once said that he wanted to create a song that people could sing in the streets to demand change. With "A Change Is Gonna Come," he achieved that and more. It is a song that has the power to move people to action and to remind us all of our obligation to strive for a more just and equitable society.

Innovative and poignant, "A Change Is Gonna Come" has stood the test of time as a classic anthem of hope, progress, and resilience. Sam Cooke's incredible contribution to the Civil Rights Movement through this song is awe-inspiring, and his legacy continues to inspire people to stand up for their own rights and uplift the greater good.

• Release Date: December 22, 1964
• Artist: Sam Cooke