Oh, the ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn to read and write
To read and write
And now a child can understand
This is the law of all the land
All the land

[Chorus with child's voice]:
Oh, the ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn to read and write
To read and write

Their robes were black, their heads were white
The schoolroom doors were closed so tight
Wеre closed up tight

Nine judgеs all, set down their names
To end the years and years of shame
Years of shame

[Chorus with child's voice]:
Their robes were black, their heads were white

Oh, the slate is black, the chalk is white
The words stand out so clear and bright
So clear and bright
And now at last, we plainly see
The alphabet of liberty
Liberty

[Chorus with child's voice]:
Oh, the slate is black, the chalk is white
Together we learn to read and write
To read and write

Oh, a child is black, or a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight
What a beautiful sight

For very well, the whole world knows
That this is the way that freedom grows
Freedom grows

[Chorus with child's voice]:
Oh, a child is black, or a child is white

Oh, the world is black, and the world is white
It turns by day and turns by night
It turns by night

It turns so each and every one
Can make his station in the sun
In the sun
[Chorus with child's voice]:
Oh, the ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn to read and write
To read and write
And now a child can understand
That this is the love of all the land
All the land

Oh, the ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn to read and write
To read and write