About the song
In the annals of soul music, few voices have resonated with such raw power and soulful depth as that of Otis Redding. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music made him a beloved figure in the 1960s and beyond. One of his most enduring and impactful songs, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” stands as a testament to his artistry and his commitment to social justice.
Released in 1965, “A Change Is Gonna Come” emerged at a pivotal moment in American history. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the nation was grappling with deep-seated racial tensions. Redding, a Black man from the South, was acutely aware of the struggles and injustices faced by his community. Through this song, he channeled his frustrations and hopes into a powerful anthem of resilience and optimism.
The song’s introspective opening, with Redding’s soulful voice accompanied by a gentle piano, sets the stage for a deeply personal and introspective journey. He begins by reflecting on his own experiences of discrimination and hardship, singing, “I’ve been down so long, it seems like forever.” The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that capture the weight of oppression and the yearning for a better future.
As the song progresses, Redding’s voice grows more passionate and urgent. He delivers lines such as “I’ve been walking through the valley of the shadow of death” with a raw intensity that conveys the depth of his suffering. Yet, amidst the despair, there is a glimmer of hope. Redding insists that change is coming, and that one day, the injustices of the past will be rectified.
The song’s bridge is a moment of profound reflection, as Redding questions the nature of God and the meaning of suffering. He yearns for an answer to the age-old question, “Why must we suffer?” While he doesn’t provide a definitive answer, he expresses a belief that there is a higher purpose to his trials.
The final chorus is a triumphant declaration of hope and determination. Redding sings, “It’s gonna be a long time, but I can’t wait much longer” with a sense of unwavering conviction. The music swells to a powerful crescendo, as if to symbolize the coming of a new day.
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is more than just a song; it is a statement of faith, a rallying cry, and a timeless expression of the human spirit. Otis Redding’s powerful voice and the song’s evocative lyrics continue to inspire and uplift listeners of all generations. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to give voice to the voiceless and to ignite hope in the darkest of times.
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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
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