It's Been A Long Time Coming
Sam Cooke · Other Songs - Sam Cooke
In a little tent
And just like the river
I've been running ever since
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it is
It's been too hard living
But I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh yes it will
Then I go to my brother
I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees
There's been times that I thought
I wouldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come
Oh, yes it will
It's Been A Long Time Coming
Sam Cooke's 'It's Been A Long Time Coming' stands as a pivotal moment in the evolution of soul music, blending gospel fervor with emerging R&B sensibilities. Recorded during the height of his career, the track exemplifies his signature ability to weave spiritual themes into secular pop structures, a hallmark that defined his discography. The song reflects the social and personal struggles of the era, using the metaphor of a long-awaited resolution to address themes of patience and divine intervention. Cooke's vocal delivery, characterized by its warmth and rhythmic precision, set a standard for vocalists in the soul genre. As a staple of his live performances and studio recordings, the song remains a testament to his influence on the development of soul and R&B, capturing the emotional resonance that made him a defining figure in American music history.