About the song
## A Change Is Gonna Come: Sam Cooke’s Timeless Anthem
**Sam Cooke’s** soulful rendition of “**A Change Is Gonna Come**,” released in 1964, stands as a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift. This song, a beacon of hope amidst the turbulent civil rights movement of the 1960s, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Cooke, a prominent figure in American soul music, crafted this anthem with a depth of emotion that transcends time. The song’s poignant lyrics, delivered in Cooke’s velvety voice, paint a vivid picture of a nation grappling with injustice and inequality. The melody, both uplifting and melancholic, serves as a musical backdrop to the song’s powerful message.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song of both despair and determination. The opening lines, “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know something’s got to change,” capture the sense of frustration and uncertainty that permeated the era. Cooke’s voice, filled with anguish and longing, conveys the deep-seated desire for a better future.
Yet, amidst the despair, there is a glimmer of hope. The refrain, “A change is gonna come,” serves as a mantra, a declaration of faith in the inevitability of progress. Cooke’s delivery of this line is marked by a sense of conviction and optimism, inspiring listeners to believe in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective. The piano accompaniment, played with sensitivity and restraint, provides a solid foundation for Cooke’s vocals. The addition of strings and horns towards the end of the song adds a touch of grandeur, emphasizing the song’s epic quality.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone. It has been covered by countless artists, from Aretha Franklin to Bruce Springsteen, and has been featured in films and television shows. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of hope and resilience.
In conclusion, “A Change Is Gonna Come” is a masterpiece of soul music that continues to inspire and uplift. Sam Cooke’s powerful performance, coupled with the song’s poignant lyrics and uplifting melody, make it a truly unforgettable piece of music. This anthem, a product of its time but with a universal message, remains a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring about positive change.
Video
Lyrics
I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river I’ve been a-runnin’ ever since.
It’s been a long, a long time comin’,
but I know, oh-oo-oh,
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 comin’,
But I know, oh-oo-oh,
A change gonna come, oh yes, it will.I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin’ me don’t hang around.
It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know, oh-oo-oh,
A change gon’ come, oh yes, it will.Then I go, oh-oo-oh, to my brother and I say, brother, help me please.
But he winds up knocking me back down on my knees, oh.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 comin’,
But I know, oh-oo-oh, a change gonna come, oh yes, it will.