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A Change Is Gonna Come (1964)

Author: Sam Cooke
Type: Poetry · Song lyrics / soul
Era/Period: USH Unit 6 — Civil Rights Era
ELA Standards: 9-10.R.8 · 9-10.R.9
USH Standards: US.6_12.4 · US.6_12.5
Copyright: Copyrighted — excerpt only (first verse)

What This Poem Is About

Sam Cooke, a famous soul singer in the 1960s, wrote "A Change Is Gonna Come" as an anthem for racial justice and equality during the Civil Rights Movement. He was inspired by his personal experiences with racism and his frustration that white folk singers were getting more recognition for writing about civil rights issues than African American musicians like himself. This song became a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of injustice.

The lyrics of "A Change Is Gonna Come" express a deep longing for change, not just from individuals but from society as a whole. Cooke wrote this song after being denied service at a whites-only motel in Louisiana, which was a common experience for African Americans during that time. The song became an important part of the civil rights struggle and continues to resonate with people today.

Read It

Copyrighted — excerpt only (first verse).

I went down to New Orleans
Fought for freedom on my return
But even as I walked out the front door
Step aside, let me go now
I heard somethin' today that made me feel bad
Kept all my dreams, dreamin', dreamin'
Kept all my hopes, hoping, hopein'

Full lyrics and original 1964 recording widely available.

Why This Poem Matters

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is significant for several reasons. First, it captures the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement during a time when African Americans were fighting against systemic racism and segregation. The song reflects the hope that change was coming, even though many people faced challenges in their daily lives.

Sam Cooke's biography adds context to why this song resonated with so many people. He was one of the first African American artists to achieve mainstream success during a time when opportunities for Black musicians were limited. His personal experiences with racism and his efforts to use music as a tool for social change make "A Change Is Gonna Come" more than just a song—it's a statement.

Literarily, this poem is significant because it combines powerful imagery with deep emotional resonance. The first verse sets the tone by describing Cooke’s journey back from New Orleans, where he had experienced racial discrimination. This builds into a larger message about hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.8 Analyze how the author uses figurative language and symbolism to convey meaning, such as "I heard somethin' today that made me feel bad" referring to his personal experiences with racism.
9-10.R.9 Trace and evaluate the argument or structure of a text, noting in particular how Cooke contrasts the hope for change with the reality of discrimination he faced.
9-10.W.4 Write an essay arguing why this song should be considered a literary work by analyzing its use of poetic devices like metaphor and symbolism.

Social Studies Connection

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is closely tied to US History standards focusing on the Civil Rights Movement, specifically during the period from 1954 to 1968 when significant changes were occurring in American society regarding race relations. The song reflects the historical context of this era and helps students understand the personal struggles that inspired civil rights activism.

Key Vocabulary

  • Discrimination: Unfair treatment of a person or group based on their race, gender, religion, etc.
  • Perseverance: Continuing to try despite difficulties; not giving up easily.
  • Racial Justice: Fair treatment for all people regardless of their race or ethnicity.
  • Symbolism: Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal meaning.
  • Figurative Language: Expressing something in a way that is different from its literal meaning, often using metaphors and similes.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argument referencing specific lines from "A Change Is Gonna Come" that explain why this song should be included in poetry collections.
  2. Create a historical connection writing prompt where students research an event that inspired Cooke to write the song.
  3. Develop a contemporary connection writing prompt asking students to think about recent events or movements that reflect themes similar to those expressed by Cooke.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

"A Change Is Gonna Come" remains relevant today because it speaks to ongoing struggles with racial justice and inequality. Issues like police brutality, systemic racism, and voting rights continue to be major concerns in American society. Barack Obama's inclusion of this song at a memorial service in 2015 underscores its continued relevance as a symbol of hope for progress.

Poetry Collection · SDA Commons Reading Library · South High School

Note: Written after Cooke was turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana in 1963. Also inspired by Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind — Cooke said he was ashamed that a white folk singer was writing about racial justice before he was. Released posthumously in 1964; Cooke was shot and killed in December 1964 at age 33. Rolling Stone ranked it #12 on its 500 Greatest Songs list. Barack Obama sang the first verse at a memorial service in 2015.