"A Change Is Gonna Come" was written by Sam Cooke, inspired by his own experiences with racial discrimination, most notably being turned away from a whites-only motel. Cooke felt compelled to write a song that articulated his struggles and those of other African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. He also incorporated personal encounters from various cities to reflect the broader experiences of African Americans at the time. The song, which appeared on his album Ain't That Good News, uses different musical movements, with a French horn conveying a sense of melancholy. At its heart, it's a powerful and poignant plea for justice and hope for a better future.