A Change Is Gonna Come

Sam Cooke

About A Change Is Gonna Come

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is a song by American recording artist Sam Cooke. It initially appeared on Cooke's album Ain't That Good News, released mid-February 1964 by RCA Victor; a slightly edited version of the recording was released as a single on December 22, 1964. Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged and conducted by René Hall, the song was the B-side to "Shake". The song was inspired by various personal events in Cooke's life, most prominently an event in which he and his entourage were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke felt compelled to write a song that spoke to his struggle and of those around him, and that pertained to the Civil Rights Movement and African Americans. The song contains the refrain, "It's been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come." Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, "A Change Is Gonna Come" is widely considered Cooke's best composition and has been voted among the best songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important." 


Year:
1964
3:11
115 
#2

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I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ev'r since
It's been a long time, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna 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 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 a change gonna 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, oh

There have 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 is gonna come, oh yes it will

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Sam Cooke

Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and influence on the modern world of music. His contribution in pioneering soul music led to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown. more »

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Written by: Sam Cooke

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
Sam Cooke, an American singer, started his career in gospel music, transitioning to secular soul and pop during the mid-1950s. Cooke has been a key figure in shaping contemporary music, especially Soul music genre.
Song Origin
"A Change Is Gonna Come" was written and recorded by Sam Cooke in 1963, making it over 50 years old.
Inspiration
The song was written as a civil rights anthem, inspired by Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" and the personal experiences of racial discrimination Cooke faced, including the prevailing segregation in America at that time.
Release Date
Interestingly, the song was released after Cooke's death in December 1964, making it among the last officially released songs of his career.
Impact on Civil Rights Movement
"A Change Is Gonna Come" has been recognized as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Its lyrics reflect the struggles and hopes for equality and freedom faced by African-Americans during the 1960s.
Longevity
Despite its initial mixed response, the song’s impact grew over time, and it is now considered one of the greatest songs in American pop history, with Rolling Stone ranking it the twelfth greatest song of all time in 2004.
Cultural Impact
The song has been covered by many artists and featured in numerous films, such as "Malcolm X" and "Ali", showcasing its strong cultural resonance.
Awards and Recognition
In honor of these contributions, the Library of Congress added the song to the National Recording Registry, which selects songs that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important."
Song Structure
Lyrically, the song is structured as a narrative, showcasing the suffering and hope of the African-American community. The orchestral arrangements used in the song were not common in soul music of that era, making it stand out.
Posthumous Hits
"A Change Is Gonna Come" turned out to be one of Sam Cooke's biggest hits after his death. Cooke did not live long enough to see the song's success and its impact as a civil rights anthem.

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    A Change Is Gonna Come

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #31


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