Canned Heat’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” at Woodstock, 1969

Canned Heat – A Change Is Gonna Come – Live at Woodstock, 1969.

The gig took place during sunset which occurred at 7.56 pm. The sky was cloudy so it was a little bit darker than usual.

No cell phones, no computers. Just guitars, amps and amazing musicians. This performance in particular always stands out as one of my favorites that I can watch over and over again!

Canned Heat’s rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come” at Woodstock in 1969 remains a mesmerizing testament to the power of music to inspire change. The band’s soulful interpretation of Sam Cooke’s classic anthem of hope and resilience resonated deeply with the turbulent times of the late 1960s.

Lead vocalist Bob “The Bear” Hite’s gritty yet emotive delivery, backed by the band’s tight instrumentation, captured the essence of the civil rights movement and the spirit of the era. Against the backdrop of Woodstock’s iconic stage, Canned Heat’s performance exuded a sense of urgency and solidarity, igniting the hearts and minds of thousands of attendees.

The song’s message of perseverance in the face of adversity struck a chord with the Woodstock audience, many of whom were seeking solace and unity amidst social and political upheaval. As the band poured their hearts into every note, the crowd swayed in unison, united by a shared belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Decades later, Canned Heat’s rendition of “A Change Is Gonna Come” continues to resonate, serving as a timeless reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire change. In an era marked by division and uncertainty, this iconic performance serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, a brighter future is possible.

Lyrics:
I was born by the river
In a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I’ve been running
Ever since

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

It’s been too hard living
But I’m afraid to die
‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there
Beyond the sky

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

I go to the movie
And I go downtown
And somebody keep telling me
“Don’t hang around”

It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

Then, I go to my brother
And I say, “Brother, help me, please”
But he winds up knockin’ me
Back down on my knees, oh

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 gon’ come
Oh yes, it will

Songwriters: Sam Cooke