The Importance of Change in Sam Cooke’s Song “A Change Is Gonna Come”

There is nothing more exciting and at the same time scarier than change. We all seek change to take us away from the miseries of life. However, we also fear it because it requires our effort to adapt to something new. But, change is the only way for us to move forward.

Why “A Change Is Gonna Come” was Written

Sam Cooke, The King of Soul, wrote “A Change Is Gonna Come” which voiced out his desire for a change in his community. In 1963, Cooke was one of the victims of racism. He and his wife called to reserve a room in an Inn for the next day. When he arrived at the Inn, the front desk clerk told them that there was no room available. Therefore, Cooke began to fire up with anger. This event in his life together with his encounter of Bob Dylan’s song “Blowin’ in the Wind” made him decide to write something that expressed his want to eradicate racism.

The Song’s Performance

“A Change Is Gonna Come” was written in 1963 and released in 1964. His single became the B-side of “Shake.” J.W. Alexander, a friend of Cooke, whom he asked to listen to his song, liked the song but warned Cooke that it’s not going to sell. However, Cooke didn’t mind. Upon the song’s release, the unexpected happened. Sam’s single became a hit. It reached number nine on the Billboard R&B chart and also secured a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, it was chosen as the anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and part of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Change According to the Bible

The change that Cooke was hoping did eventually happen. This change was to make his people free from the community’s injustice. We have openly embraced this change, but are we ready to accept a bigger change? Are we prepared to see the change that God has planned for us? It’s terrifying to change the things that we are used to, but the changes God intended for us are far more fulfilling than we can imagine. There are a lot of stories in the Bible that show us that change can be a challenge, but the end will be rewarding. Therefore, be still, folks, and always remember that change is not meant to hurt us. With the guidance of the Lord, change will help us grow into a better version of our self.

Check out Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” in the video below.