IFLTS: 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' Sam Cooke

'A Change Is Gonna Come,' Sam Cooke
From 1964's 'Ain't That Good News'

I revisited 'A Change Is Gonna Come' ten years ago when it popped up on a compilation of soul music that I bought. I love the melody, and the song itself is really mournful yet really strong. I'm a Southerner and the Civil Rights Movement is really important to me, and this song reminds of all the darkest things about living in the South but also the greatest -- the strengths of people that overcome adversity.

But it really resonated with me when I heard a live recording of Mia Zapata from the Gits singing this song. She had a really rough life and was eventually murdered, and to hear this recording after all of that ... it was pretty amazing. That version moved the song into more present day context. It's timeless.

I always put 'A Change Is Gonna Come' on my mixed tapes for people. I give a mix to my friend, and then I give them another -- with the same song -- and they're like, "I already have this song." And I say, "No! You're supposed to have it on this one, too."

Amy Ray is one-half of Grammy-winning duo the Indigo Girls. Her summer tour with fellow IG Emily Saliers in support of their latest album, 'Despite Our Differences,' continues May 17 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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