A Change Is Gonna Come

by Sam Cooke

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Lyrics

I was born

(Bb)by the riv er

but in a (Eb)lit tle (Bb)tent,

and just like that riv er I’ve been run ning

(Gm)ev er, yond don’t ev hang er since.

(Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long,

a long (Cm)time com ing,

but I (Eb)know

a change gon na come,

oh,

(Bb)yes it will.

Oh.

It’s been too

(Bb)hard for liv ing,

but I’m a (Eb)fraid to (Bb)die

’cause bod I don’t know in’ what’s been up there

(Gm)be ya, yond don’t ya hang the sky.

(Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long,

a long (Cm)time com ing,

but I (Eb)know

a change gon na come,

oh,

(Bb)yes it will.

Oh.

(Bb)yes it will.

Then I go

to see my (Gm)broth er

(Cm)and (Bdim7)I say, (Cm)“Broth er, oh, broth er,

help me (Gm)please.”

But, he winds

up

knock in’ me,

knock in’ me

(Bb)back down,

oh, back (C9)down,

back down to my knees.

There were times

(Bb)when I thought

I would n’t last (Eb)for long,

but, now I think that I,

I can car ry on.

(Eb)It’s been a (Bb)long,

a long (Cm)time com ing,

but I (Eb7)know

a change gon na come,

oh,

(Bb)yes it will.

I know for my self, ya’ll, oh, a (Gm)change is gon na (D)come.

I be lieve a (Bb)change

is gon na come.

A (Gm)change is gon na (D)come.

I be lieve a (Bb)change

is gon na come.

A (Gm)change is gon na (D)come.

I be lieve a (Bb)change

is gon na come.

It’s been a (Bb)long,

a long (Cm)time com ing,

but I (Eb7)know

a (Gm)change

gon na come.

Oh,

yes, it will.

A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 68 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "A Change Is Gonna Come" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "A Change Is Gonna Come"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "A Change Is Gonna Come" use?
Just 13 chords: A, Ab, Bb, Bdim7, C, C9, Cm, Cm7, +5 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Sam Cooke songs work for kids?
Try "CHAIN GANG", "YOU SEND ME", "I'LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.