Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)

Subject: Lyr Add: BLACK AND WHITE (from The Spinners)
From: songs2play
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 10:32 AM

I may be missing something in my search for some lyrics, but, the Spinners Song, Black and White, does not appear to be in the database.
Please do not shout at me if it is.
I thought it would be a good addition

BLACK AND WHITE
Alan Roberts / Earl Robinson

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

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

A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight
A beautiful sight
And very well the whole world knows
This is the way that freedom grows
Freedom grows
A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight
A beautiful sight

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and it turns by night
It turns by night
It turns so each and everyone
Can take his station in the sun
In the sun
The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and it turns by night
It turns by night

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: beadie
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 11:33 AM

The Spinners ????

I recall that this was a Three Dog Night hit in the mid 70's.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 01:28 PM

I'd never heard of Three Dog Night till now, and having done a Google search, found their lyrics page, which doesn't give attribution to the composers of this particular song. The Spinners Leighton refers to are the Liverpool Spinners, not the Detroit Spinners. The Liverpool Spinners recorded The Ink Is Black in, I think, the late 60s.

Joan

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: beadie
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 03:54 PM

More than one "Spinners," huh? Will wonders never cease?

At least, a group of something other than a Motown style would be a more understandable artist for this piece.

Three Dog Night was, a "soft-rock" ensemble of the pre-disco era who sort of faded with the rise of the Bee-Gees and their ilk. They had several big hits, "Joy to the World" (also the title of a comprehensive greatest hits album), "Shambala," "The Show Must Go On," stick in my mind, as well as the aforementioned song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 04:31 PM

And I thought all the Spinners were from Washington DC

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: beadie
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 05:08 PM

Entirely possible. Not all of Barry Gordy's Motown stars were Detroit natives.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: songs2play
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 06:18 PM

The best way to give The Spinners an identity, (in the USA) is to show one of their albums from Amazon.co.uk.

try
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000008577/qid=1033164143/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_3_2/026-8564825-7888456

The Spinners

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 28 Sep 02 - 02:28 AM

Wasn't there a line that the Spinners sang about the "school-house doors were closed up tight"? It made me think that the song was about a real incident, or did the Spinners just insert that reference?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 28 Sep 02 - 02:55 AM

I can't place that line, Manitas, I'll go away and try and find a reference. Meanwhile, the Spinners, now disbanded (unfortunately) have the next best thing to a website, i.e. space on someone else's: Spinners Home.

Joan

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 28 Sep 02 - 05:17 PM

According to Sing Out (1959), this song was written c. 1955, with one more verse:

Their robes were black, their heads were white
The schoolhouse 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
The robes were white, the heads were white
(Whistle tune)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 28 Sep 02 - 06:28 PM

I have a recording by the Galliards (Robin Hall, Jimmie Macgregror, Shirley Bland (Jimmie's wife) and Leon Rosselson. A 45 (as Black and White) on Topic #STOP 1010-1, b side is "Bahnuah". It lists 1960 as the date of release and the writers as Arkin-Robinson.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From:
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 06:05 PM

Hi. Do you remember the artists name for "the ink is black?"

Thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 06:21 PM

Guest, this thread mentions several artists who've performed the song, and the first posting even mentions the authors (right underneath the title, as is customary on Mudcat). If you're looking for a particular recording we'd need more detail. Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The ink is Black
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 06:37 PM

The Great Song Thesaurus attributes "Black and White" to Earl Robinson and David Arkin, 1972 - but Who Wrote That Song? dates it at 1956. ASCAP confirms the songwriters' names as Robinson & Arkin, but does not give a publication date. The pink "Collected Reprints" book from Sing Out! lists Alan Roberts and Earl Robinson as songwriters, copyright 1956 and 1972. So - was it Roberts, or was it Arkin?
Three Dog Night did the "definitive" recording, I suppose - but there are many others, including one by the Harry Simeone chorale.

I didn't know that this was an Earl Robinson song. I have renewed respect for the song.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 06:07 PM

Joe, according to Sing Out (1959), the song was written c. 1955, as mentioned above. As to who did what:

[1969:] This simple plea for racial understanding written by Alan Roberts was set to music by Earl Robinson, composer of the celebrated Ballad for Americans. (Notes 'Spotlight On The Spinners')

Seems the Spinners got it only partly right ... Apologies to our guest for misleading him, as the first posting only got it partly right, too. Can anyone give a hint as to how Alan Roberts' name got into this? Who IS Alan Roberts, by the way? David Arkin's name I've heard before.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Deckman
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 07:05 PM

In 1957, I sat in the audience of the "Women's Centuary Club," on Capital Hill, in Seattle, Washington. The event was a concert by Earl Robinson. The last half of the concert, he performed the entire Folk Opera "Sandhog," which he had just composed. He sat at the piano and sang all the parts, including the sopranos.

The first half of the concert, he sang songs he had composed, such as "What Is America To Me.' And he also sang "The Ink Is Black." I hope this helps. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Bernard
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 07:46 PM

The confusion with two bands called 'The Spinners' was resolved amicably in the early days - the 'American Spinners' were known as 'The Detroit Spinners' when touring over here, and the 'English Spinners' were known as 'The Liverpool Spinners' when touring the US.

Hughie Jones explained this when he was interviewed by Alio on 'Sounds of Folk' last year on BBC GMR. Hope that clears things up!

I certainly remember the Liverpool Spinners' version of Black and White - I even used to sing it myself!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 09:18 AM

The verse about the judges is no doubt referring to the 9 justices of the US Supreme Court, who decided, in the famous case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kans. that "separate but equal" would no longer be the law of the land.

Subject: Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 01:22 AM

Somebody asked me for this song tonight, so I thought I'd post the lyrics exactly as they appear in the Sing Out! Reprints booklet (the pink book). I think I prefer the version at the top of this thread, without the whistling.
-Joe Offer-

BLACK AND WHITE
words by Alan Roberts / music by Earl Robinson
(copyright 1956 & 1972, Templeton Publishing Co.)

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!
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 schoolhouse 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!
The robes were white, the heads were white
(Whistle tune)

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!
The slate is black, the chalk is white
Together we learn to read and write,
To read and write.

A child is black, a child is white,
The whole world looks upon the sight,
A beautiful sight.
For very well the whole world knows
This is the way that freedom grows;
Freedom grows!
A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight
(Whistle tune)

The world is black, the world is white,
It turns by day and it turns by night;
It turns by night.
It turns so each and everyone
Can take his station in the sun,
In the sun!
The world is black, the world is white
(Whistle tune)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 09:36 AM

And Joe, does that mean that you already have the dots?

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 12:01 PM

Jawohl, I got the dots.
So, John, does that mean you are encouraging me to transcribe them?
[grin]
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 12:02 PM

Joan

The Spinners may disbanded some time ago but at Scarborough Seafest a couple of weeks ago Hughie Jones was on stage still playing , same cheeky grin and holding his own with a couple of "friendly" drunken hecklers who wanted to direct the show
He said he still lived around Liverpool as does Michael (I think) Cliff has moved to Australia and the other who's name escapes me lives (I think he said) in Cornwall

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 12:49 PM

"Rise Up Singing," credits "Black and White (The Ink Is Black)" - note reversal of title- to David Arkin, words, and Earl Robinson, music. A Sing Out Songbook, 1988, 1992.
For he first two lines, they give (p. 59):
D A D A /D G - A - D --- /A - D - A - G A A G A ---/ 1st 2

Footnote in "Rise Up Singing"- "Copyright 1956 (renewed) Templeton Publishing Co. Inc., a division of Shawnee Press Inc. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission- In SO! 6-1 & Reprints #1. On Robinson "Alive and Well" (Aspen) & "Walk in the Sun" (FA2324, E. MacColl & Peggy Seeger "ContempS" (FW8736) & recorded by 3 Dog Night."

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 04:41 PM

I have a lovely Reggae/Blues version of Black and White by Greyhound

Subject: Lyr Add: BLACK AND WHITE (from Three Dog Night)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 04:58 PM

I can find no references to Alan Roberts with regard to "Black and White" except the old one noted by Joe. The newer "Rise Up Singing lists David Arkin for the lyrics, which are the same as those posted by Joe.
Here is the Three Dog Night version (purported, not checked)- lacks the verse 'Their robes were black,' and the 'slate is black, the chalk is white' of the 'Sing Out' version:

Black and White
Three Dog Night
Words David Arkin, music Earl Robinson, 1956

The ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn to read and write
A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight, a beautiful sight

And now a child can understand
That this is the law of all the land, all the land.

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night
A child is black, a child is white
Together they grow to see the light, to see the light

And now at last we plainly see
We'll have a dance of Liberty, Liberty!

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night
A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight, a beautiful sight

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night
A child is black, a child is white
Together they grow to see the light, to see the light.

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night
A child is black, a child is white
The whole world looks upon the sight, a beautiful sight.

The world is black, the world is white
It turns by day and then by night
A child is black, a child is white
Together they grow to see the light, to see the light.

C'mon, get it, get it,
Ohh ohhh, yeah, yeah
Keep it up now, around the world
Little boys and little girls
Yeah, yeah-eah, oh-ohhh.

Black and White
(Verse spacing added)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 05:06 PM

In the UK (70s) there was also a successful version by The Brotherhood of Man.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 05:18 PM

If you go the following website you can listen to a snippet from 3 dog night. When you are in the website, scroll down and click on "Listen to 3 dog night"

http://www.threedognight.com/index.html

You can buy the greatetst hits on CD which includes Black and White

The Complete Hit Singles
Geffen/UTV/UMe - May 25, 2004

One Listen Listen
Try A Little Tenderness
Easy To Be Hard
Eli's Coming
Celebrate
Mama Told Me (Not To Come)
Out In The Country
One Man Band
Joy To The World
Liar
An Old Fashioned Love Song
Never Been To Spain
The Family Of Man
Black And White
Pieces Of April
Shambala
Let Me Serenade You
The Show Must Go On
Sure As I'm Sittin' Here
Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)
'Til The World Ends

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 09:12 PM

Joe, it's you or me, but I bet you know the 10 word motivational statement that consists entirely of words of 2 letters. Fell free to send me a 150dpi TIF and I'll produce the MIDI, NWC and ABC.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: guitar
Date: 27 May 07 - 06:50 AM

I don't like it when they take a good song a kill it by adding in the yeahs and little girls and boys bit, to me that's wrong

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: DADGBE
Date: 27 May 07 - 04:17 PM

Like the Deckman, I also have fond memories of hearing the song. We were sitting in Marie Poll's Los Angeles living room in the late 70's some time and hearing Earl Robinson sing the song. It was a memorable event as were most of the gatherings at Marie's house.

For those of you in different regions, Marie Poll hosted many informal folk music gatherings at her home and then graduated to producing concerts there. It was a wonderful venue; made so by Marie and Ken's warmth and kindness.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 10:46 AM

I used to sing this at school in the 80s and for some reason started singing it again today. I'm sure we only sang some of the words though! eg 'The board is black, the chalk is white, together we learn to read and write to read and write de de de de de. The ink is black, the page is white, together we learn to read and write to read and write de de de de de de. The child is black, the child is white together we learn to read and write to read and write de de de de de. now you can learn to understand this is the rules across the land half is black, half is white and together we learn to read and write.' I didn't realise it had more lyrics and was a proper song!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: GUEST,littlesue
Date: 12 Feb 08 - 04:27 PM

Did'nt somebody have a Reggae version of this in the 1970's??

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Ink is Black (Black and White)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 01:23 PM

Allmusic.com lists lots of artists who recorded this songs. There are "reggae" versions attributed to Greyhound, Inner Circle, Gregory Isaacs, and The Maytones.

Earl Robinson's recording is labeled "folk."

Just to make things complicated and confusing, several other people have written other, unrelated songs called BLACK AND WHITE.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: GUEST,st gregorys
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 10:33 AM

we thin kthe song is fab thankyou for the person who made the song up and the person who amde the site to acsess from any where at any place at any time of day afternoon or night to love and cherish saint gregorys

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 09:31 AM

I heard Pete Seeger who was with Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee at the time, sing this in 1958 in Illinois. He sang The board is black the chalk is white. He had the liberty bit too.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: GUEST,Mr. Kubri
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 12:41 AM

I must say, I love this song. And for me, No one sang sweeter than Desmond Decker.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: RamblinStu
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 01:40 PM

And for me it will always be the song of The Spinners.

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 02:16 PM

I was only listening to that song last night, when we had visitors. We were listening to Greyhound singing it and saying what a lovely job they did of it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Black and White ('The ink is black...)
From: GUEST,Arthur the Guest
Date: 29 Sep 16 - 03:21 PM

This song appeared on a 1962 Folkways record of Mrs. Thelma Patel's 6th Grade Class of Woodmere, Long Island, performing it as part of a class assembly on civil rights. Amazing and very hard to find, although probably available digitally from LOC. Mrs. Patel later went on to law school when she was at least 50 maybe 60 years old, and became a labor lawyer.