Knight started to record solo material due to legal issues that forced her and The Pips to record separately. Her solo debut "Miss Gladys Knight" was released in 1978 followed by "Gladys Knight" on Colombia Records. Knight recorded the title track for the James Bond movie "Licence To Kill." It became a Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at #6. Knight's third solo album, "Good Woman" was released in 1991 on MCA Records (now Geffen Records). The album quickly climbed the charts to #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album features the lead single, "Men" (#2 R&B). Her fourth album, "Just For You" followed in 1995. The album went Gold. Knight most recent album is her critically acclaimed ninth studio album, "Before Me", released in 2006.
Choice Of Colors
Gladys Knight Lyrics
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A better day is coming
But you wait for me oh yeah, yeah
Alright, alright, alright, then he said
If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there were no day or night
How long have you hated your white teacher
Who told you to love your black preacher
Could you respect your brother's woman friend
And share with black folks not of kin
People must prove to the people
A better day is coming for you and for me
And with a little bit more education
With love for our nation will make a better society
Now some of us would rather cuss and make a fuss
Than to bring about a little trust
But we shall overcome our beliefs someday
If you will only listen to what I have to say
How long have you hated your white teacher
Who told you to love your black preacher
Can you respect your brother's woman friend
And share with black folks not of kin
I'm telling you, people must prove to the people
A better day is coming for you and for me
And with a little bit more education
And love for our nation will make a better society
If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there were no day or night
Which would you prefer to be right
If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there were no day or night
Which would you prefer to be right
If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there were no day or night
Which would you prefer to be right
If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
The song "Choice of Colors" by Gladys Knight is a powerful message about racial harmony and the need for people to come together to create a better society. The lyrics suggest that people need to prove to each other that a better day is coming, and that this can only be done by respecting each other's differences and learning to live together in harmony.
The song poses a series of questions about race and identity, asking listeners to consider which color they would choose if they had a choice, and which they would prefer to be right if there were no day or night. It challenges people to confront their prejudices and to question the assumptions that they have been taught about race and ethnicity.
The lyrics also suggest that education and love for the nation are key ingredients in building a better society. Instead of fighting and making a fuss, people need to listen to one another and try to understand each other's perspectives. Ultimately, the song makes a passionate plea for unity and solidarity, arguing that only by working together can we create a brighter future for ourselves and for future generations.
Line by Line Meaning
People must prove to the people
We must show each other that we can make a change
A better day is coming
We can create a brighter future if we work together
But you wait for me oh yeah, yeah
We need to support each other and wait for the time when everyone is ready
Alright, alright, alright, then he said
We need to move forward and take action
If you had a choice of colors
Which color would you pick?
Which one would you choose my brothers
What color do you want?
If there were no day or night
If there was no contrast
Which would you prefer to be right
Which side would you choose to be on?
How long have you hated your white teacher
Why do you harbor resentment towards a teacher who is white?
Who told you to love your black preacher
Yet you are told to love your preacher who is black
Could you respect your brother's woman friend
Can you give the same respect to your brother's female friend?
And share with black folks not of kin
Can you share with those who are not related to you by blood but are black?
Now some of us would rather cuss and make a fuss
Some people prefer to complain and argue
Than to bring about a little trust
Instead of building trust with each other
But we shall overcome our beliefs someday
We can overcome our prejudices and biases eventually
If you will only listen to what I have to say
If you give me a chance to speak my thoughts
I'm telling you, people must prove to the people
We need to demonstrate to each other that we can make a change
A better day is coming for you and for me
We can make the future brighter for all of us
And with a little bit more education
By increasing our knowledge
With love for our nation will make a better society
And by having love for our nation, we can create a better society
If you had a choice of colors
Which color would you pick?
Which one would you choose my brothers
What color do you want?
If there were no day or night
If there was no contrast
Which would you prefer to be right
Which side would you choose to be on?
If you had a choice of colors
Which color would you pick?
Which one would you choose my brothers
What color do you want?
If there were no day or night
If there was no contrast
Which would you prefer to be right
Which side would you choose to be on?
If you had a choice of colors
Which color would you pick?
Lyrics © Iricom US Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ginger Williams
on Mr. Love
I'm 84 years old and I've never heard this beautiful message. My daughter introduced it to me and I'm gonna keep listening. I love it