A Critical Analysis of Otis Redding Song ″A Change is Gonna Come″

A Critical Analysis of Otis Redding Song ″A Change is Gonna Come″
Otis Redding is the American singer behind the song "A Change is Gonna Come." With
its refrain components – "It has been a while coming, but I know change is going to come," the
track talks more about the miserable life of African Americans, as evident through different
events in the author's life.
The most unusual scenario is where the author and his entourage were blocked from
accessing a white-only Louisiana motel. While the author had a brief career, he displayed
unprecedented emotion and raw lyrics that greatly impacted America. As part of bidding farewell
to his loving audience, the song was launched two weeks after the author's death, and it helped to
express the freedom movement soul (Werner 33). It inspired the same way that one could follow
the speech of Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. It starts with a sensational playing of the French horn
and strings. The singer interrupts as he bears witness to being restless as he maintains his motion
like the muddy stream that borders the Delta, his birthplace.
The singer uses vocals to revisit his gospel background. He acknowledges that it has been
a long, long time coming. He reassures his audience of his optimism that a "change will come"
(Werner 33). His signature was the typical 'whoa whoa whoa,' which he sings in the middle of
'know,' a term that helps to emphasize the truth that reforms are underway across America and
the world at large.

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After each verse, the singer repeats similar lines to respond to the challenges he faced. He
says in the second verse that living has been too hard and that he fears for his life (Werner 34),
which shows the troubled life of an African American. Nevertheless, he is not ready to withdraw
from the struggle. Even without talking about the Civil Rights Movement, it is possible to apply
this song anywhere, including during a hard time, struggles, and issues faced. The song,
therefore, gained its legendary status for fighting for the racially oppressed.

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Work Cited

Werner, Craig. A change is gonna come: Music, race & the soul of America. University of
Michigan Press, 2006.