Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (Official Lyric Video)
Inspiration Behind Change is Gonna Come:
Change is Gonna Come was a response to the racial tensions and injustices that were prevalent in the United States in 1963. Following the release of Change is Gonna Come, this song has become an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. With the rise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Sam was full of belief, hope and faith that change will come in the near future.
Biblical Application:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me, Psalm 51:10-12.
Exegesis of Change is Gonna Come:
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I’ve been running
Ever since
Sam didn’t have much when she was born. Yet, like a flowing river, she kept moving downstream.
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
There were many things that Sam saw or witnessed that she didn’t think was fair. Yet, deep down inside, she believed that change would happen sometime in the future.
It’s been too hard living
But I’m afraid to die
‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there
Beyond the sky
Growing up as a black woman in America has been tough. Yet, she’s not ready to die, unsure of her eternal destiny.
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
Sam thought that things would have improved by now, but she hasn’t lost hope for Civil Rights to become a reality.
I go to the movie
And I go downtown
Sam still goes into town to watch movies.
And somebody keep telling me
“Don’t hang around”
Despite comments about being unwanted around town, this didn’t stop her from living.
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
There is no doubt in Sam’s mind that Civil Right for African Americans will come soon.
Then, I go to my brother
And I say, “Brother, help me, please”
But he winds up knockin’ me
Back down on my knees, oh
However, maintaining hope wasn’t easy, physically knocked down after asking for help.
There been times that I thought
I couldn’t last for long
But now, I think I’m able
To carry on
Sam also lost hope in the darkest times of uncivil acts against her. But the rise of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was enough to help her tarry on with life.
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will
The numerous trials and tribulations that Sam endured could not hold her down for long as her belief for change came.
Final Thoughts:
The melody of Change is Gonna Come reminds me of some of the old hymns that I sung in church growing up. Spending 3 years attending public school in inner city Wilmington, Delaware, I came face to face with poverty. Although Sam doesn’t mention being a woman of faith, she persevered like Queen Esther in the Old Testament. Change is Gonna Come serves as a reminder of the past and provides hope that current and future issues will be resolved.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 