Choice of Colors
The Impressions
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If you had a choice of color 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 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 easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Date of Release"Choice of Colors" by Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions was released in 1969.
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SongwriterThe song was written by Curtis Mayfield, who was also the lead singer of The Impressions at that time.
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Chart Performance"Choice of Colors" reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 21 on the Billboard pop chart.
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Album InclusionThe song was included in their album "The Young Mods’ Forgotten Story," released in the same year.
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GenreThe song is considered to be in the soul genre and carries strong undertones of the Chicago soul style.
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Social Commentary"Choice of Colors" is known for its powerful social commentary, reflecting the racial tension and civil rights context of the time in America.
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Lyrical ThemeThe song considers the idea of being able to choose one's skin color—which choice would one make, and how it would affect one’s life and experiences.
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Impact on Popular CultureGiven its socially conscious themes, "Choice of Colors" has been sampled and covered by several artists since its release.
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Acclaim and InfluenceThe song is considered to be one of Curtis Mayfield’s and The Impressions’ most acclaimed works, and it remains influential within the R&B and soul community today.
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Educational useThe song has been studied in schools and universities for its historical context and thought-provoking lyrics.
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In Curtis Mayfield's Career"Choice of Colors" was one of the last hits Mayfield had with The Impressions before embarking on his successful solo career.
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Cultural SignificanceThe song remains a potent symbol of the civil rights movement, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of an entire generation.
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Citation
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"Choice of Colors Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17704121/The+Impressions/Choice+of+Colors>.
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