“Born by the River” illustrates my version of the “American Dream” because Cooke expresses this faith that things will change, despite social segregation. For example, Cooke mentions, "how it has been difficult over the years facing “segregation and inequality,” but he has hope a change will come for the future (Stanza 1). Cooke sings in a doubtful manner because of the unjust times he 's living in and explains all the harsh realities he is faced. Although he lives under these circumstances, his hope is restored because colored Americans began to stand up for what 's right in civil rights movements. Similarly, today we are faced with opposing laws that make it harder for “equal opportunism” for immigrants in America, but these dreamers still stand tall in protests for their fight against unequal opportunities. Another reality Cooke expresses, being “born by the river in a little tent” (Stanza 1) because he was one of the less fortunate people who was not allowed in a public hospital, born into an unjust circumstance. Back in the time era he lived in black mothers weren’t always treated “equally” and had the “opportunity” to use public hospitals for child birth. These are some of the “travails of adversity” Americans have to deal with that almost diminish their hope for a richer, fuller life. Cooke then changes the tone of the song towards the ending into a more hopeful tone. In his verses, “there was times that I thought I couldn’t last for long but now I think I’m able to