[Verse 1: Common]

I'm the river that flow through the hood

Through the woods, through the 'burbs

Through the mud, through the bricks

Over the curb, to the forest reserve

Got with four acres and a forest of words

Plant and grow 'em, for the young seeds to know 'em

Trees is blowing, we see change in the wind

It's a new day and I got to take it in

See a black man run, we need him to win

Young eyes search, search for a better tomorrow

Let belief lead the way and the angels follow

Open doors for the hopeful to go through

'Cause I was chose to and I'm supposed to

[Chorus: Muhsinah]

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

[Verse 2: Common]

I spoke like a child, I wrote like a child

Always smiled, let my mind float like a child

Wishing I was smart as these kids are now

All grown up still wishing I'm a child, again

Church song reminded me to stay grateful

Omoye reminded me to stay playful

Days go by, my life on high

I lead on my wall so the fight don't die

In me, I found purpose why I emcee

Inspire a young world to be greater than me

I fall awake and I dream a song

So the little shorties will sing along

[Chorus: Muhsinah]

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

[Verse 3: Common]

Welcome children, welcome me

Your sentiments is felt in me

I see the future and the walk you have

Don't let these fools take you off your path

Laugh if you need to, smile if you need to

Life is a trip, ride along and proceed to

Drive to believe to do what you want to do

Remember your kings and queens are still humble too

Life is in front of you, no need to look back again

Victory can be claimed while you still battling

Travel along with the food I provide you

To awaken the voice that's inside you

[Chorus: Muhsinah]

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

I know that change gon' come

The race begun

We're almost there, oh yeah

[Outro: Omoye Assata Lynn]

Change is inevitable, you can't stop it

Change is happening in everybody's life

Change is like a furious hurricane that you can't stop

What is change?

Change is Martin Luther King Jr.,

Ghandi, Shakespeare, Assata Shakur

Barack Obama

And you can't forget Common

Change is gonna happen

Change is hope