Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come

Introduction

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, the American singer-songwriter. Initially featured on Cooke’s album “Ain’t That Good News,” released in mid-February 1964 by RCA Victor, a slightly edited version of the recording was later released as a single on December 22, 1964. Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged and conducted by René Hall, the song served as the B-side to “Shake.”

The inspiration behind “A Change Is Gonna Come” stemmed from various events in Cooke’s life, notably an incident where he and his entourage were denied lodging at a whites-only motel in Louisiana. This experience motivated Cooke to create a song that addressed his personal struggle and the broader issues related to the Civil Rights Movement and the African American community.

Although the song achieved only modest success compared to Cooke’s previous hits, “A Change Is Gonna Come” is widely regarded as one of his greatest and most influential compositions. It has been recognized among the greatest songs ever released by numerous publications. In 2007, the Library of Congress selected the song for preservation in the National Recording Registry, citing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 3 on their list of the “Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Video

Lyrics

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
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

There’ve 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