Did You Know
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a poignant and powerful song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Released in 1964, the song is considered one of Cooke’s most significant and enduring works.
Here are some key details about “A Change Is Gonna Come”:
Title: A Change Is Gonna Come
Artist: Sam Cooke
Release Date: December 22, 1964
Genre: Soul, R&B
Background: Sam Cooke wrote “A Change Is Gonna Come” during a period of significant social and political upheaval in the United States, marked by the civil rights movement. The song reflects both personal and societal struggles, and Cooke drew inspiration from his own experiences and the broader fight for racial equality. The lyrics convey hope for positive change amid adversity.
Musical Style: The song is characterized by its soulful and emotive delivery, showcasing Cooke’s exceptional vocal range and ability to convey deep emotions. The arrangement includes orchestral elements that complement the song’s emotional intensity.
Release and Reception: “A Change Is Gonna Come” was released as a single in late 1964, shortly after Sam Cooke’s tragic death. The song received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and social relevance. Despite its initial moderate commercial success, the song has since gained recognition as a classic and influential work.
Legacy: The legacy of “A Change Is Gonna Come” extends far beyond its initial release. The song has been widely covered and referenced by numerous artists across various genres. It has become an anthem for the civil rights movement and a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Posthumous Recognition: Sam Cooke’s contributions to music and civil rights were posthumously acknowledged. In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “A Change Is Gonna Come” is often cited as one of the greatest songs in the history of popular music and has been included in countless lists of the best songs ever recorded.
Sam Cooke’s enduring legacy as a trailblazing artist is cemented by his ability to merge soulful melodies with socially conscious lyrics, and “A Change Is Gonna Come” stands as a timeless testament to his artistry and the resilience of the human spirit.
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.