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