Change Is Gonna Come
Aretha Franklin Lyrics

There's an old friend that I once heard say Something that touched my heart And it began this way
The song begins with the memory of an old friend's wise words that resonated with the singer's heart.

I was born by the river In a little tent And just like the river I've been runnin ever since He said it's been a long time comin' But I know my change is gonna come Oh yeah
The singer reflects on her difficult life, born in poverty and constantly on the move, but she remains steadfast in the belief that positive changes are on the horizon.

He said it's been too hard livin' But I'm afraid to die I might not be if I knew What was up there Beyond the sky It's been a long, a long time comin' But I know my change has got to come Oh yeah
The singer shares her fear of death and how the promise of heaven gives her hope. Despite the long wait for change, she remains hopeful that things will get better.

I went, I went to my brother And I asked him, brother Could you help me, please? He said, good sister I'd like to but I'm not able And when I, when I looked around I was right back down Down on my bended knees Yes I was, oh
The singer seeks help from her brother but is disappointed when he can't offer any assistance. She feels defeated and powerless, ending up on her knees in prayer.

There've been times that I thought I thought that I wouldn't last for long But somehow right now I believe That I'm able, I'm able to carry on
Despite moments of despair and feeling like giving up, the singer finds the strength to carry on and stay hopeful.

I tell you that it's been along And oh it's been an uphill journey All the way But I know, I know, I know I know my change is gonna come
The singer acknowledges the long and difficult journey she's been on, but remains resolute and certain that her change will eventually come.

Sometimes I had to cry all night long Yes I did Sometimes I had to give up right For what I knew was wrong Yes it's been an uphill journey It's sure's been a long way comin Yes it has
The singer reflects on the sacrifices she's had to make and the hardships she's faced to keep going forward, even when the way seemed impossible.

It's been real hard Every step of the way But I believe, I believe This evenin' my change is come Yeah I tell you that My change is come
The singer holds onto her unshakable belief that her change will come, and in this moment, she feels that it has finally arrived.