About the song
Introducing “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Otis Redding, a soulful rendition of the iconic song originally written and performed by the legendary Sam Cooke. Redding’s interpretation of this powerful anthem delivers a message of hope and resilience, resonating deeply with listeners through its stirring melody and poignant lyrics.
Featured on his album “Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul,” released in 1965, “A Change Is Gonna Come” showcases Redding’s remarkable ability to infuse soul into every note he sings. The album itself garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Redding’s status as one of the leading voices in the soul music genre.
While “A Change Is Gonna Come” didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its initial release, its impact and influence have endured over the years. Redding’s heartfelt rendition of the song has since become one of his most celebrated performances, earning recognition as a timeless classic.
With its themes of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity, “A Change Is Gonna Come” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Redding’s soulful interpretation adds a layer of depth and emotion to Cooke’s original masterpiece, making it a poignant reflection of the civil rights movement and the quest for equality.
As we listen to “A Change Is Gonna Come,” we’re reminded of the enduring power of music to inspire change and unite people in the pursuit of justice. Otis Redding’s rendition stands as a testament to the transformative power of song, reaffirming its place as a timeless anthem of hope and resilience.
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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