Everlast's song "A Change Is Gonna Come" is a cover of the iconic civil rights anthem originally performed by Sam Cooke. The song speaks to themes of racial inequality, hope, and perseverance. The lyrics convey the struggles of the narrator, who was born and raised in a humble tent by the river. Just like the river, they have been on a constant journey, running away from the hardships they have faced. However, despite the difficulties, they hold on to the belief that change will eventually come. The narrator reflects on the harsh realities they have experienced, stating that life has been tough and they are afraid of dying because they do not know what awaits them after death. This fear highlights the uncertainty and desperation felt by those who have faced discrimination and oppression. They go out to distract themselves, going to movies and downtown areas, but they are consistently warned not to linger around. This suggests that even in seemingly ordinary activities, they face discrimination and a sense of being unwelcome. The narrator turns to their brother for help, asking for assistance. However, instead of support, their brother ends up knocking them down, metaphorically pushing them back into a position of vulnerability and despair. Despite the continuous struggles, the narrator finds the strength to carry on. They acknowledge that there have been moments when they doubted their ability to endure, but now they believe they have the resilience to keep pushing forward. They maintain their optimism that change will eventually come, bringing justice and equality. Overall, "A Change Is Gonna Come" is a poignant and powerful song that symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality and justice, particularly in the context of racial discrimination. It serves as a reminder of the perseverance and hope needed to bring about positive change.
