Choice of Colors
Impressions (The) Lyrics


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If you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there was no day or night
Which would you prefer to be right

How long have you hated your white teacher
Who told you, you love your black preacher
Do 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
With just a little bit more education
And love for our nation
Would 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'll only listen to what I have to say

And how long have you hated your white teacher
Who told you, you love your black preacher
Can you respect your brother's woman friend
And share with black folks not of kin

I say now people must prove to the people
A better day is coming for you and for me
With just a little bit more education
And love for our nation
Would make a better society

And if you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there was no day or night
Which would you prefer to be right
And if you had a choice of colors
Which one would you choose my brothers
If there was 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

Overall Meaning

The song "Choice of Colors" by Impressions is a powerful and conscious song that speaks to the importance of unity, equality, and love in society. The opening lines of the song ask an important question: "If you had a choice of colors, which one would you choose my brothers?" This question highlights the fact that we are all brothers and sisters, and that race and color should not be a factor in how we treat and respect each other. The song challenges listeners to think about their prejudices and stereotypes, and to strive for a better and more harmonious society.


Throughout the song, the lyrics touch on a variety of important themes, including racism, education, and social justice. The line "How long have you hated your white teacher, who told you, you love your black preacher" speaks to the ways in which racism can be perpetuated through education and institutionally, and how this can create divisions between communities. The song also encourages listeners to be more loving and compassionate towards each other, and to work towards a better future.


Overall, "Choice of Colors" is a powerful song that highlights the importance of love, unity, and equality. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released over 50 years ago, and it serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to work towards a better and more just world.


Line by Line Meaning

If you had a choice of colors
If you had the power to change something as important as color


Which one would you choose my brothers
Which is the hue that speaks to you, my brethren


If there was no day or night
If there were no restrictions or boundaries in this world


Which would you prefer to be right
Which would you feel most comfortable with and most identify as correct


How long have you hated your white teacher
How long have you harbored anger and resentment towards your Caucasian educator


Who told you, you love your black preacher
Who emphasized the importance of admiration towards your African American religious leader


Do you respect your brother's woman friend
Do you hold a high opinion of your male sibling's female companion


And share with black folks not of kin
And extend kindness and empathy towards African American individuals who may not necessarily be related to you


People must prove to the people
As a community, we must demonstrate to each other


A better day is coming, for you and for me
A brighter future is within reach, for both you and I


With just a little bit more education
By simply engaging in additional learning opportunities


And love for our nation
And by having a profound fondness for our country and its people


Would make a better society
We can work towards creating a more equitable and harmonious community


Now some of us would rather cuss and make a fuss
Currently, certain individuals find it easier and more satisfying to argue and create chaos


Than to bring about a little trust
Than to build a foundation of genuine confidence in one another


But we shall overcome our beliefs someday
However, we shall eventually overcome our personal prejudices and biases


If you'll only listen to what I have to say
Provided you're open to hearing my perspective


I say now people must prove to the people
I firmly believe that as a society, we must show one another


A better day is coming for you and for me
That a brighter future is within our grasp


With just a little bit more education
By simply pursuing additional learning opportunities


And love for our nation
And by having a profound fondness for our country and its people


Would make a better society
We can work towards creating a more equitable and harmonious community


And if you had a choice of colors
And once again, if you had the power to change something as important as color


Which one would you choose my brothers
Which hue speaks to your soul, my brethren


If there was no day or night
If there were no boundaries or limitations whatsoever


Which would you prefer to be right
Which option would feel most correct to you


And if you had a choice of colors
And if, once again, you had the power to change color


Which one would you choose my brothers
Which shade resonates deeply with you, my brethren


If there was no day or night
If all restrictions and boundaries were removed


Which would you prefer to be right
Which choice would feel most natural and organic to you




Lyrics ยฉ Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@marcustrice3246

I'm 33 years old and I absolutely LOVE songs like this. I may be a young man but i have i a ear and love for real music like this one. So true and relevant. Long live soul music!

@damonwheeler1983

Timeless music

@tay-basswalker3964

Bro same here!

@judahlion2067

Always a classic

@lusciouspinkk9160

Iโ€™m 26 ๐Ÿ˜ฉ I grew up under my granddad

@wymellwilliams1543

Marcus sometimes I'm just too passionate about the music that I play if you digest something wait to the next cut

8 More Replies...

@vrobinson5100

I was a little girl when this song came out. I still love this song and it is so relevant for what is happening now in the USA! We are tired and a change is coming! I AM BLACK and I Am PROUD to be BLACK!

@adriennerobinson1180

Oh Yes

@dalepainter7462

You better, peace

@tracyjohnson3394

I was a little boy tryn to figure out what was burning all the time on television. It looked like the same fires blazing in our neighborhood. That's all my understanding could yield at 6yrs old. The music helped to explain, and to perservere...

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