I was born by the riverIn a little tentOh, and just like forever I've been runningEver sinceIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know a change gon' comeOh, yes it willIt's been too hard livingBut I'm afraid to dieCos I don't know what's up thereBeyond the skyIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know a change gon' comeOh, yes it willThen I go to the movieAnd I go downtownSomebody keeps telling me don't hang aroundIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know a change gon' comeOh, yes it willThen I go to my brotherAnd I say, brother, help me pleaseBut he winds me up, knocking meBack down on my kneesThere've been times that I thought I could last for longBut now I think I've been able to carry onIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know a change gon' comeOh, yes it will