A Change Is Gonna Come
View chords used in this chart
[Intro]
G C/G X4
[Verse 1]
G C/G G G/Ab
I was born by the river in this little old tent
Am7 Em
And just like this river I've been running ever since
G G/Ab Am7 C7 B7
It's been a long time coming, I know,
Em G5
[Verse 2]
G C/G G G/Ab
It's been too hard living, I don't wanna die, no
Am7 Em
Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the clouds
G G/Ab Am7 C7 B7
It's been a long time coming, but I know,
Em G5 G/Ab
[Bridge]
Am7 G5 G/Ab
And I go to my brother
Am7 Em Em9 Em Em7 Em
I say brother, can you help me?
Am7 Em
But he wind up knockin' me
A7 D7sus4 D7
Right back down on my knees
[Verse 3]
G C/G G G/Ab
There's been a time that I felt that I couldn't get along
Am7 Em
Oh, but now I know I'm still able, able to carry on
G G/Ab Am7 C7 B7
Well, it's been a long time coming, but I know, I know,
Em G5
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is
[Instrumental]
G C/G G G/Ab Am7 Em
G G/Ab Am7 C7 B7 Em
G5 G/Ab
[Bridge]
Am7 G5 G/Ab
And I go to my brother
Am7 Em Em9 Em Em7 Em
I say brother, can you help me?
Am7 Em
But he wind up knockin' me
A7 D7sus4 D7
Right back down on my knees
[Verse 4]
G C/G G G/Ab
There's been a time that I felt, a lost, a left, and alone
Am7 Em
But somehow I know I'm still able, able to carry,
G G/Ab Am7 C7 B7
Well, it's been a long time coming I know, I know,
Em G5
A change is gonna come, oh yes it is
[Outro]
G C/G G
Change is gonna come
G C/G G
A change is gonna come
G C/G G
I know, a change is gonna come
G C/G G
A change is gonna come
G G/Ab Am7
It's been a long time coming
Em
How to play A Change Is Gonna Come
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.