Never Let Me Go
Impressions (w/Curtis Mayfield) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 said, "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?
The song "Never Let Me Go" by the Impressions conveys a powerful message about equality and unity among people of different races. The questions posed in the lyrics reflect the fundamental ideas at the core of civil rights movements - questions about choice, respect, and understanding. The opening lines ask the listener to imagine a world without color or time - a world stripped of these superficial qualities, leaving only the essence of the human experience. Through these questions, the song urges the listener to reflect on their biases and considers exchange them for a spirit of inclusion and empathy.
The central message of the song is that people must demonstrate to each other that a better day is coming for all, regardless of skin color or other external differences. This recognition can come from education and love for one's nation, which can help create a better, more equitable society. The song recognizes that some individuals may prefer to instigate conflict and discord, rather than foster unity, but Overcome these beliefs someday, and spread the message through peaceful means is what the song attempts to drive.
The song also touches on issues of respect and kinship across racial boundaries. It addresses the idea of white people and black people genuinely caring for one another, and expanding their circle of compassion beyond traditional kin. The song recognizes that these efforts will require introspection and learning, but ultimately, such actions will bring us closer to a brighter tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
If you had a choice of color
If you could have anything you desire
Which one would you choose, my brothers?
What would be your first pick, my fellow human beings?
If there was no day or night
If the world, as we know it, had no progression
Which would you prefer to be right?
What would you choose as the norm then?
How long have you hated your white teacher?
Why do you dislike your white educator?
Who told you, you love your black preacher?
Who or what made you love your black spiritual leader?
Do you respect your brother's woman friend
Do you value your sibling's female companion?
And share with black folks not of kin?
Would you also interact with black people who are not related to you?
People must prove to the people
Humans must showcase to other humans
A better day is coming for you and for me
A brighter future awaits all of us
With just a little bit more education
By obtaining more knowledge
And love for our nation would make a better society
Also by having love for our country would result in a better community
Now some of us would rather cuss and make a fuss
Some individuals prefer to be vulgar and aggressive
Than to bring about a little trust
Rather than establishing harmony
But we shall overcome our beliefs someday
Nonetheless, someday we will conquer our convictions
If you'll only listen to what I have to say
If you would lend me your ear and heed my words
I said, "Now people must prove to the people
"I repeat, humans must display to other humans
A better day is coming for you and for me
A brighter future awaits all of us
With just a little bit more education
By obtaining more knowledge
And love for our nation would make a better society"
Also by having love for our country would result in a better community"
And if you had a choice of colors
If you could have anything you desire
Which one would you choose, my brothers?
What would be your first pick, my fellow human beings?
If there was no day or night
If the world, as we know it, had no progression
Which would you prefer to be right?
What would you choose as the norm then?
And if you had a choice of colors
If you could have anything you desire
Which one would you choose, my brothers?
What would be your first pick, my fellow human beings?
If there was no day or night
If the world, as we know it, had no progression
Which would you prefer to be right?
What would you choose as the norm then?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Joseph W. Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Terry Sanders
These guys were amazing...I can remember when Jerry Butler was the 4th member then he went solo..he was called the Iceman because of his voice.. He was a cold guy with his vocals. Curtis wrote the majority of their songs also for other artist as well.
Sheila Farr
Something that is lost in today's music is soul! There is so much soul in Curtis voice!
Tracey Palangio
Love love love them. This song is so beautiful.
Kathryn Lawyer
Curtis Mayfield was a genius writing and singing songs.
Alice Bradford
Thankful , music and lyric's you can understand. And hear very clear...🙏👂💜...Thank you Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions...
Louie Bates
This is cover of Johnny Ace's song back in the 50's..Johnny wrote and recorded the original recording.. Luther and Aretha also covered this tune.
BUFORD FINLEY
IF THERE EVER WAS A SONG WRITER MORE CREATIVE THAN MR CURTIS MAYFIELD, I DON'T KNOW THEM. A POETIC GENIUS AND MY FAVORITE SONG WRITER OF ALL TIME .
Augustus White
On par with STEVIE WONDER , BOB DYLON, LENNON AND MCCARTNEY. SMOKEY ROBINSON.
Joshua Stephens
One of my favourite songs of all time
Gail Clary
I was a teenager in love. This brings back so many memories