[Intro]
G D G D
[Verse 1]
G D G D
The ink is black, the page is white,
G C A D
Together we learn to read and write
D7 G
To read and write.
D G
And now a child can understand
D
This is the law of all the land
D7
All the land!
G D G D
The ink is black, the page is white,
G C A D
Together we learn to read and write
D7 G
To read and write.
[Verse 2]
G D G D
Their robes were black, their heads were white,
G C A D
The schoolhouse doors were closed so tight
D7 G
Were closed up tight.
D G
Nine judges all put down their names
D
To end the years and years of shame
D7
Years of shame!
G D G D
Their robes were black, their heads were white,
G C A D
(Whistling)
D7 G
(Whistling)
[Verse 3]
G D G D
The slate is black, the chalk is white,
G C A D
The words stand out so clear and bright
D7 G
So clear and bright.
D G
And now at last we plainly see
D
The alphabet of liberty
D7
Liberty!
G D G D
The slate is black, the chalk is white,
G C A D
(Whistling)
D7 G
(Whistling)
[Verse 4]
G D G D
A child is black, a child is white,
G C A D
The whole world looks upon the sight
D7 G
A beautiful sight.
D G
For very well the whole world knows
D
This is the way that freedom grows
D7
Freedom grows!
G D G D
A child is black, a child is white,
G C A D
Together we learn to read and write
D7 G
To read and write.
[Verse 5]
G D G D
The world is black, the world is white,
G C A D
It turns by day and then by night
D7 G
It turns by night.
D G
It turns so each and everyone
D
Can take his place in the sun
D7
In the sun!
G D G D
The world is black, the world is white,
G C A D
(Whistling)
D7 G
(Whistling)