The 25 Most Exquisitely Sad Songs in the Whole World: No. 22
'A Change Is Gonna Come'
Sam Cooke (1964)
The Breakdown: Recorded just before his tragic death, the soul great's response to 'Blowin' in the Wind' set the tone for the desperate Civil Rights struggle.
The Waterworks: "It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die."
Casualty Count: Countless proud citizens in Jim Crow America.
Listen to 'A Change Is Gonna Come'
Buy it on iTunes
Posted by Spinner Staff
Filed under: Songs, The Hit List
Reader Comments(1 of 3)
Janelleat 5-05-2007
A really beautiful song. Sad but inspiring.
Steffyat 5-05-2007
Beautiful song, Inspiring
never heard this song before but it really got me
its definitelly sad
SteveHat 5-05-2007
This is a beautiful, sad, but ultimately hopeful song. I would never rate it as a one of the top sad songs.
Check the end of the song:
There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will
Callum -(¯`v´¯)-»]at 5-05-2007
A really beautiful song. Makes me tear up everytime I hear it.
Mac Mekonnenat 5-05-2007
Wow, what a beautiful song. Where is the passion in music these days?....
kiaat 5-05-2007
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, song. Surely a change is gone come.
Kahleat 5-05-2007
This song plays in spike lees Malcolm x... right before he is assassinated... very sad!
Sonneyat 5-05-2007
please tell me this dude didn't die from heroin!
great song! I love black women too! I'm iiikingtom@aol.com in Marion, Illinois of America.
Ask for "Malcolm" the lover, ok?!?
kristaat 5-05-2007
it the olden days the music actually meant something and they told a story that was inspiring and relflective, now its just being provocative and displeasing for the people that came from the golden ages.
dominiqueat 5-05-2007
Wow....My dad love this guy and I see why, such a lovly voice..I love this song..
Cindyat 5-05-2007
God, my life has gone from great and now I feel like I am in a padded room with no where to go oe to turn to....that I have NO LUCK and things will only get worsel I just ha a big depression bought and the heard this sonhg....WHAT A SONG! MY NEW THEME SONG....TO HELF ME THROUGH...TO NOT LET THESE PEOPLE GET THE BEST OF ME! I AM A WNNER AND I WILL WIN THIS TOO!
John Corcoranat 5-05-2007
Sadness leads to tears and world-weariness. This will get you the tears and world weariness, but also a significant collection of goosebumps. As one who was floored by it when it was first released, I know context was important. And coming from a guy who sang about Another Saturday Night and babies doing the Cha-cha-cha and "wonderful world", it came from left field.
Ed GravesRAat 5-05-2007
The song is about life and that no matter what a change dose come , joy comes in the morning thers is a lilly in the valley in the mist of your going through change gonna come.
Ed GravesRAat 5-05-2007
For those that are going through use this song tell you hard times, trouble, heart aches will not last always, I grew up during the most passionate times of this century the sixties and seventies and I have survived and so can you. If you need to talk sometime email me at edgraves0420@aol.com I will respond if you are sinsere if not enjoy the ride and God be with you .
Daphneat 5-05-2007
I am sitting here on a quiet evening with candles lit and the peaceful cool air coming off the deck into my bedroom. To sit here and listen to these wonderful songs such as Sam Cooke, makes me know that I have survived ovarian cancer for almost 9 years to be able to listen to such wonderful music. Unlike Sam, I am not afraid to die, but I am glad to be alive to hear such a wonderful voice. Thanks AOL!
SCat 5-05-2007
In a definite alternate to this great song, I have to add a soulful nod to Otis Redding and his "I've Got Dreams to Remember". I cry every time.
Jesseat 5-06-2007
This song is not a sad song. Its an inspirational tune. Well I can see how its sad, but in to my heart and ears it sounds inspirational.
mikeat 5-06-2007
you need to hear the aaron neville version of this song.that will bring a twear in your eye and goosebups on your skin. incredible
Bobbyat 5-06-2007
Would his tune "Sad Mood" count?.
Diannat 5-06-2007
This is not a sad song, although the melody is slow, it's about faith and hope. This is one of the songs that inspired us going into the civil rights era. Beautiful, I grew up listening to my mom's music, and this was one of her favorite.