Radical Son - A Change Is Gonna Come lyrics

[Pre-Hook 1: Radical Son] I was born by the river In a little tent Oh, and just like the river I've been running ever since [Hook: Radical Son] It's been a long Long time coming But I know Change gon' come Oh yes it will [Verse 1: Nookie] I was born by the river in a small coastal town Where the smell of the strange fruit still floats around I was shown that tree where the fruits used to swing They was strung up as [?] swayin' in the wind With blood on the wattle, trees with lifeless limbs I turned away and then cringed, mum said "Listen to them sing" Then I heard the breeze bring the terrible thing All that's changed now is that rope's a tire swing [Verse 2: Ozi Batla] Change, well it won't happen in a day They said eventually, how many weeks, decades or centuries? Mistakes made, they can't be washed away so simply And symbolisms weak medicine for grievous injury False smiles, frontin' false idols hiding discrimination A feel good slogan, some self congratulation Empty statements, while the hangman's ghost is still waiting In the lockup, the paddy wagon, 12 shells on the pavement [Pre-Hook 2: Jane Tyrrell] It's been too hard living But I'm afraid to die 'Cause I don't know what's up there Beyond the sky [Hook: Jane Tyrrell] It's been a long Long time coming But I know Change gon' come Oh yes it will [Verse 3: Sky High] Ayy It's all about history but that's his story and I'm tryna tell ya 'bout mine Still coppin' chases from the bacon, my brother taken by swine They're the biggest gang in my country, the ones that pack the Glock Nine And them guns be with them Gunjies who say they're here to stop crime Now that ain't that ironic, no Alanis, but you oughta know the truth The Queen was boss when they stole us, the Kings Cross and they shoot Surrounded by abuse, lemme tell what I'ma do I'ma rep for all my youth with the big F.U. to the boys in blue They picked the wrong time [Pre-Hook 3: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son] Go to the movie And I go downtown Somebody keep telling me Don't go hang around [Hook: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son] It's been a long Long time coming But I know Change gon' come Oh yes it will [Verse 4: Nookie] We thought the war was over, but nah, we have to fight more We got the right to vote, but I don't see no one to vote for Devoted to the cause, I live for everything I'd die for Yeah, have my shoes, take a walk, try to understand my life and My dreamin', the government is scheming Oops, I mean they're intervening Mind the land while we're leavin', but we ain't leavin' These words are my last [?] The past can't be changed but our future can [Bridge: Radical Son] So I go to my brother And I say brother help me please But he winds up knockin' me Back down on my knees [Verse 5: Sky High (Urthboy)] First up, I'ma change the flag, southern cross, leave that Exchange the union jack for that red, yellow and black Sick and tired of waiting for change so I'm making a change today An' I beg that my people out beggin' be given a new begginin', okay! A long time (Long time) Too long if you asked me (Said a change gon' come) Long gone (Long gone) Has been Only way to move on is to get along, you better not get it wrong 'Cause after all (Aren't we all) one under the sun, I'm done [Pre-Hook 4: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son] Oh, there's been times when I thought I couldn't last for long But now I think I'm able to carry on [Hook: Jane Tyrrell & Radical Son] It's been a long Long time coming And I know Change gon' come Oh yes it will