Introduction:
Released in 1964, A Change Is Gonna Come by soul legend Sam Cooke is not only a powerful musical performance but an enduring anthem of hope and perseverance. The song, produced by Lou Adler, was written by Cooke himself and directly inspired by the events of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
While Cooke was known for his smooth vocals and infectious melodies in earlier hits like “You Send Me” and “Twistin’ the Night Away,” A Change Is Gonna Come marked a turning point in his career. The song’s lyrics, though poetic and metaphorical, leave no doubt about the social and racial injustices Cooke himself had witnessed and experienced. Coming at a time of growing activism and frustration within the African American community, the song resonated deeply with listeners.
A Change Is Gonna Come did not achieve immediate commercial success. Some radio stations, fearing controversy, were hesitant to play it. However, the song’s influence grew steadily throughout the 1960s and beyond. Civil rights leaders adopted it as an anthem, and its message of hope and unwavering belief in a better future continued to inspire. A Change Is Gonna Come was prominently featured in the 1988 film “Mississippi Burning” and has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring power.
Today, A Change Is Gonna Come is considered one of Sam Cooke’s greatest recordings. It is a song that transcends time and place, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for hope and resilience. The song’s legacy extends far beyond the music charts, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for social justice in the United States and around the world.
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Lyrics:
I was born by the riverIn a little tentOh, and just like the river, I’ve been runningEver since
It’s been a longA long time coming, but I knowA change gon’ comeOh yes, it will
It’s been too hard livingBut I’m afraid to die‘Cause I don’t know what’s up thereBeyond the sky
It’s been a longA long time coming, but I knowA change gon’ comeOh yes, it will
I go to the movieAnd I go downtownAnd somebody keep telling me“Don’t hang around”
It’s been a longA long time coming, but I knowA change gon’ comeOh yes, it will
Then, I go to my brotherAnd I say, “Brother, help me, please”But he winds up knockin’ meBack down on my knees, oh
There been times that I thoughtI couldn’t last for longBut now, I think I’m ableTo carry on
It’s been a longA long time coming, but I knowA change gon’ comeOh yes, it will