A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Emerging from the smooth sounds of the Soul Stirrers gospel group, Sam Cooke became a pioneer of soul music in the 1950s and 60s. His rich baritone voice and electrifying stage presence captivated audiences, while his lyrics tackled social issues alongside themes of love and hope. “A Change is Gonna Come,” released in 1964, is considered Cooke’s masterpiece, a powerful anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.

The song opens with a simple piano melody, setting the stage for Cooke’s poignant vocals. He paints a picture of struggle and oppression, singing:

“I was born by the river in a little town called New Orleans And you know I have seen a lot of my people go down”

Cooke doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of racial injustice. He reflects on the yearning for freedom that resonated within the African American community:

“I go to the movies and I watch the cowboys ride And I think sometimes that we’ll just sit here and die” “But I don’t believe it, I just can’t believe it’s true I have a feeling that a change is gonna come”

The chorus explodes with an infectious hopefulness, a declaration of unwavering faith in a brighter future:

“Oh, a change is gonna come It will not be a long time before a change is gonna come”

“A Change is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Its message of resilience and hope resonated with millions, a powerful testament to the transformative power of music.

Even today, the song’s message remains relevant, urging us to continue striving for a more just and equitable world.