A Change Is Gonna Come is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. It initially appeared on Cooke’s album Ain’t That Good News, released mid-February 1964 by RCA Victor; a slightly edited version of the recording was released as a single on December 22, 1964.
Theme: A deeply emotional and hopeful anthem about struggle, perseverance, and the belief in a better future – widely associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
Bruce Springsteen has not released a studio version of “A Change Is Gonna Come”. His performances are live tributes and not part of his official discography.
Bruce Springsteen has covered this song on a few rare occasions, paying tribute to its powerful message and Sam Cooke’s legacy: 1) Performed during a soundcheck, not part of the main concert set, on March 22/23, 1988 at The Omni in Atlanta, GA. 2) The Hope Concert, a benefit for Robert Bandiera Jr. at location Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ on April 29, 2003. Lead vocals were performed by Southside Johnny, with Springsteen participating.
Original Title: A Change Is Gonna Come
Original Artist: Sam Cooke
Genre: Soul / Gospel / Civil Rights Anthem
Original release: March 1, 1964 (album), December 22, 1964 (single).
Springsteen’s choice to cover this song – though rare – reflects his deep respect for American soul music and its role in social justice. It aligns with his own themes of struggle, hope, and the American experience.
A Change Is Gonna Come
I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like that river I’ve been running ever since
It’s been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will
It’s been too hard living, but I’m afraid to die
Cos I don’t know what’s out there beyond the sky
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will
And then I go to see my brother
And I ask him to help me please
And he just winds up knockin’ me
Back down on my knees
There were times when I thought I couldn’t last for long
But now I think I’m able to carry on
It’s been a long, been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will
It’s been too hard living, but I’m afraid to die
Cos I don’t know what’s out there beyond the sky
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will