I was born by the river
  In a little tent
  And just like the river
  I've been running ever since
  
  It's been a long, long time coming
  But I know a change gonna come
  Oh, yes it is
  
  It's been too hard living
  But I'm afraid to die
  I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
  
  It's been a long, long time coming
  But I know a change gonna come
  Oh yes it will
  
  Then I go to my brother
  I say brother help me please
  But he winds up knocking me
  Back down on my knees
  
  There's been times that I thought
  I wouldn't last for long
  But now I think I'm able to carry on
  It's been a long, long time coming
  But I know a change is gonna come
  Oh, yes it will