“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a powerful and iconic song recorded by Sam Cooke in 1964. It stands as one of the most significant and influential songs in the history of American popular music. Written by Sam Cooke himself, the song is a poignant reflection on the civil rights movement and the struggles for racial equality in the United States during the 1960s.
About The Song
Sam Cooke was inspired to write “A Change Is Gonna Come” after experiencing racial discrimination and witnessing the changing social and political landscape of the time. The lyrics express hope for a better future despite the challenges and hardships faced by African Americans. The song captures both the optimism and the frustration of the civil rights era.
The recording features Cooke’s soulful and emotive vocals accompanied by lush orchestration. “A Change Is Gonna Come” was released as a single in December 1964 and became an anthem for the civil rights movement. The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, and it continues to be revered for its powerful message and emotional resonance.
While “A Change Is Gonna Come” was not an immediate commercial success, it has since gained recognition as one of Sam Cooke’s greatest works and a timeless classic. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains an enduring symbol of the struggles and aspirations for social justice and equality.
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Lyric
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I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I’ve been running
Ever since
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
It’s been too hard living
But I’m afraid to die
‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there
Beyond the sky
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
I go to the movie
And I go downtown
And somebody keep telling me
“Don’t hang around”
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
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
There been times that 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
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will