Seal

Lyrics

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

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it will

[Verse 2]
It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
Cause I don't know what's up there, beyond the sky

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it will

[Verse 3]
Now I go to the movies, and I go downtown
But somebody keeps telling me don't hang around

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, oh yes it will
Yes, sir
[Verse 4]
So now I go to my brother
And I say, "Brother, help me, please"
But somehow, he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees
Oh, there were times I thought I wouldn't last for long
Now I think I'm able, able to carry on

[Chorus]
It's been a long, long time coming, but I know
A change is gonna come, yes it will, oh, I know
A change is gonna come
I said I know

[Outro]
A change is gonna come, hey, yeah
A change is gonna come, right now
A change is gonna come, I see it now, yeah, oh my, yeah
I said a change is gonna come

A Change Is Gonna Come is a classic soul song that was written and recorded by Sam Cooke in 1964. The song became one of the most iconic protest songs of the civil rights movement, earning its place in history as a monumental piece of music that resonates with people across generations.

About A Change Is Gonna Come

The song was originally written by Sam Cooke in response to his own experiences of racism and discrimination that he faced while touring in the South. Despite his success as a musician, Cooke witnessed appalling levels of inequality as a black man in America. He was refused service at hotels and restaurants, he was beaten and harassed by the police, and he was denied access to venues where he was scheduled to perform.

Cooke was inspired to write A Change Is Gonna Come after hearing Bob Dylan's song Blowin' in the Wind. The song's powerful lyrics spoke to Cooke's own experiences, and he felt that he needed to respond with a song of his own that would capture the same spirit of protest and defiance.

The song's lyrics are a poignant reflection on the state of America during the civil rights movement, and they speak to the hope and optimism that many people felt at the time despite the many challenges that they faced. Cooke's soulful delivery of the lyrics is a testament to his talent as a musician, and the emotion that he pours into the song is palpable.

A Change Is Gonna Come became an instant classic when it was released in 1964, and it has since been covered by many artists, including Seal, who recorded his own version of the song in 2008. Seal's version of the song is a tribute to Cooke's original, and it captures the same spirit of hope and optimism that made the original so powerful.

Seal's version of A Change Is Gonna Come is a masterpiece in its own right, and it showcases his incredible talent as a musician. The song's lush instrumentation and soulful vocals are a testament to the enduring power of soul music, and they speak to the timeless nature of Cooke's original composition.

Overall, A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke, and Seal's version of the song, remains one of the most important pieces of music in American history. It continues to inspire people across generations, and it serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement.

If you have never heard A Change Is Gonna Come before, we highly recommend that you give it a listen. The song is a true masterpiece, and it is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, to uplift, and to bring people together.

• Release Date: November 10, 2008
• Artist: Seal