About the song
**Introduction to “A Change Is Gonna Come”**
“A Change Is Gonna Come,” a profound ballad by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, stands as a monumental piece in both music history and the Civil Rights Movement. Released in February 1964 as part of Cooke’s album *Ain’t That Good News*, the song’s impact transcends its initial commercial performance. Although it was only a modest hit when it was first released, it has grown to be revered as one of Cooke’s most significant and influential works, resonating deeply with generations of listeners and earning a place among the greatest songs ever composed.
**Background and Inspiration**
The song’s creation was deeply influenced by Cooke’s personal experiences and the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement. A pivotal moment that spurred Cooke to write the song occurred when he and his entourage were denied entry to a whites-only motel in Louisiana. This experience of racial injustice profoundly affected Cooke, compelling him to craft a song that would capture his struggle and the collective yearning for equality. “A Change Is Gonna Come” is not merely a reflection of Cooke’s own hardship but also a poignant anthem for the African American community fighting for civil rights.
**Musical Composition and Production**
Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged by René Hall, the song features a soulful orchestration that underscores its emotional depth. Released as the B-side to Cooke’s single “Shake,” the track’s arrangement combines stirring strings with a powerful, heartfelt vocal performance by Cooke. The production choices enhance the song’s poignant message, imbuing it with a sense of hope and resilience.
Despite its initial modest chart performance, “A Change Is Gonna Come” has been hailed by critics and listeners alike for its enduring significance. In 2007, it was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress and added to the National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance. Furthermore, in 2021, Rolling Stone ranked it at number 3 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, cementing its place in the pantheon of musical excellence.
**Notable Covers and Legacy**
The song’s profound impact has led to numerous cover versions, each bringing a unique interpretation to Cooke’s original. Otis Redding’s cover, included in his 1965 album *Otis Blue*, is particularly notable. Redding’s version, retitled “Change Gonna Come,” offers a more restrained arrangement, devoid of the orchestration present in Cooke’s original. Redding’s rendition reflects his desire to honor Cooke’s legacy and fill the emotional void left by his untimely death.
Overall, “A Change Is Gonna Come” remains a timeless testament to the struggle for equality and the enduring power of music to inspire change. Its legacy continues to resonate, reflecting both the trials and the hopeful spirit of a pivotal era in American history.
Video
Lyrics
I was born by a river, oh man, in this little old tent, oh
Just like this river, I’ve been running ever since
It’s been a long, long time coming
But I know, but I know, a change is gotta come
Ooo yes it is
Oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my
It’s been too hard living, oh my
And I’m afraid to die
I don’t know what’s up there
Beyond the clouds
It’s been a long, long time coming
But I know, but I know a change is gotta come
Oh yes it is
Oh my, oh my, oh my
There’s a time I would go to my brother, oh my
I asked my brother, “Will you help me please?”, oh my oh my
He turned me down and then I ask my dear mother, oh
I said “Mother!”
I said “Mother! I’m down on my knees”
It’s been a time that I thought
Lord this couldn’t last for very long, oh now
But somehow I thought I was still able to try to carry on
It’s been a long, long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh, yes it is
Just like I said, I went to my little bitty brother, oh my little brother now
I asked my brother “Brother help me please?”, oh now
He turned me down and then I go to my little mother, my dear mother, oh my
I said “Mother!”
I said “Mother! I’m down on my knees”
But there was a time that I thought
Lord this couldn’t last for very long, oh my
Somehow I thought I was still able to try to carry on
It’s been a long, long time coming
But I know, but I know a change is gotta come, ooo
It’s been so long, it’s been so long, a little too long
A change has gotta come
So tired, so tired of standing by myself
And standing up alone
A change has gotta come
You know and I know, and you know that I know
I know that you know, honey
That a change is gonna come oh yeah oh, I gotta