A Change Is Gonna Come

Honoring George Floyd on KUVO and THE DROP – today at 1:04 pm!

Sam 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.” This 1964 R&B hit written and performed by Sam Cooke is among the most recognizable pop songs associated with the African American Civil Rights Movement.

In March of 1965, state troopers knocked down, gassed, and beat a number of men and women who were participating in a peaceful march for voting rights in Selma, Alabama. That same day, radio listeners around the country might have heard Sam Cooke singing this song. Fifty-six years later in 2020 his civil-rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” will be heard across the nation …including on KUVO and THE DROP. Be sure to tune in. At 1:04 pm today!

Sam Cooke was known as the King of Soul, and his contributions to the music contributed to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Billy Preston. He passed away on December 11, 1964 at the age of 33.

A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke Lyrics
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I’ve been runnin’
Ever since

It’s been a long
A long time comin’, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh, yes it will

It’s been too hard livin’
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
A change gon’ come
Oh, yes it will

I go to the movie
And I go downtown
Somebody tellin’ me “don’t hang around”

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees

Ohhhhhhh
There been times that I thought I couldn’t last for long
Bu now I think I’m able to carry on
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will!