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

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

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

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

[Verse 3] I go to the movie and I go downtown, Somebody keep telling me; don't, hang around.

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

[Bridge] Then I go to my brother, And I say; brother, help me please. But he winds up, knockin' me, Back down on my knees, oh...

[Verse 4] There been times when I thought, I couldn't last for long, But now I think I'm able to, carry on.

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