Blog 7 "A Change is Gonna Come"
This week I listened to “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I really enjoyed this song because I like to pay attention to the beat but also the lyrics of songs when I listen to them. I think the slow and constant rhythm makes the song almost feel melancholy but hopeful. The orchestra feels essential to this song as it is very personal, and an emotional expression of what Cooke went through growing up (born 1931; death 1964) being an African American. The lyrics to the song are very raw in a way that was revolutionary for people at the time because racial segregation and civil unrest were a thing, but people did not put words to how they felt. The title to the song is very optimistic too and puts a positive connotation to the future. I think a great deal of people also felt like there was not going to be an end to racial segregation or that it was going so slow that a change would not come in their lifetime, but Cooke knew things would get better. I am sure his positive outlook helped many others as well to find hope in disparaging times.
Lyrics
Oh, and just like the river
I've been running ever since
A long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it will
But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there
Beyond the sky
A long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it will
And I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me
Don't hang around
A long time coming
But I know, a change gonna come
Oh, yes it will
And I say, brother, help me please
But he winds up, knockin' me
Back down on my knees
I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able, to carry on
A long time coming
But I know a change gonna come
Oh, yes it will
I really like that you brought in the history of what was happening during this time period. I also enjoy that the instruments in the background aren't too overpowering so it allows you to really focus on the lyrics and feel that melancholy but hopeful feel you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI love it when music has that melancholy but still hopeful feel. I love that you shared the history and background behind this song because it definitely helps the listener develop a greater appreciation for the song when they have an understanding of that. It’s cool that music like this was being made in a time with lots of conflict and controversy.
ReplyDeleteI love that the music really talks about how a change is going to come. I think that we are living in a day and age of many many changes and it is just what the song is talking about. I also really enjoyed watching the video that went along with the song because it showed not only present day events and things that are happening but also past events that have happened to shape our world today. I love that the music gives a hopeful feeling as to what to look forward to or look into happening.
ReplyDelete