Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come

About the song

“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke stands as one of the most poignant and impactful songs in American music history. Released on February 15, 1964, as part of Cooke’s album *Ain’t That Good News*, the song quickly garnered acclaim for its deep emotional resonance and profound message. Initially released as a single on December 22, 1964, it was paired as the B-side to “Shake,” a choice that might have underestimated its eventual impact.

The inspiration for “A Change Is Gonna Come” was born from personal and societal strife. The song’s creation was spurred by a harrowing incident in Cooke’s life when he and his entourage were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. This experience, coupled with the broader struggles faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement, fueled Cooke’s desire to craft a song that articulated the pain and hope of the era. His powerful response to Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech further shaped the song’s message.

Despite being a modest commercial hit compared to some of Cooke’s other singles, “A Change Is Gonna Come” has become a timeless anthem of hope and resilience. Its emotional depth is reflected in the orchestral arrangement, crafted by René Hall, which imbues the song with a sense of grandeur and sorrow. The lush strings and melancholic French horn create an atmosphere of both introspection and anticipation.

Cooke’s performance of the song on *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson* in February 1964, despite overshadowed by other events at the time, marked its debut to a wider audience. The song was later preserved in the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance, highlighting its lasting impact. It was also recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time, a testament to its enduring relevance.

The song’s legacy extends far beyond its initial release. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin, each bringing their unique interpretation while maintaining the song’s original spirit. Beyoncé’s powerful rendition at the 2013 Sound of Change Live concert and its use in significant cultural moments, such as the film *One Night in Miami*, underscore its continuing resonance.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is more than just a song; it is a profound statement of hope and change that continues to inspire and move audiences across generations. Its place in the annals of music history is firmly established, not only as a reflection of a turbulent time but also as a beacon of the enduring spirit of change and progress.

Video

Lyrics

I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river I’ve been running ever since

It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know 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 coming
But I know a change gon’ come, oh yes, it will

I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me don’t hang around

It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon’ 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

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 coming
But I know a change gon’ come, oh yes, it will