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 Were closed up tight Nine judges 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 (whistling the tune) 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 (whistling the tune) 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 Chorus continued with child's voice: Oh, the ink is black, the page is white Together we learn to read and write To read and write