englishPop Rock

Ebony and Ivory Lyrics

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Ebony and Ivory Lyrics

Ebony and ivory, Live together in perfect harmony, Side by side on my piano keyboard, Oh, lord, why don't we? We all know that people are the same wherever you go, There is good and bad in ev'ryone. And we learn to live, we learn to give each other What we need to survive, together alive. Ebony and ivory, Live together in perfect harmony, Side by side on my piano keyboard, Oh, lord, why don't we? Ebony, ivory, Living in perfect harmony. Ebony, ivory. Ooh - We all know that people are the same wherever you go, There is good and bad, mm-mm, in ev'ryone. We learn to live when we learn to give each other What we need to survive, together alive. Ebony and ivory, Live together in perfect harmony, Side by side on my piano keyboard, Oh, lord, why don't we? Side by side on my piano keyboard, Oh, lord, why don't we-ee-ee-ee, we? Ebony, ivory, living in perfect harmony Ebony, ivory, are living in perfect harmony. Ebony, ivory, Living in perfect harmony. Ebony, ivory, Living in perfect harmony. Ebony, ivory, Living in perfect harmony. Ebony, ivory, Living in perfect harmony.

Meaning of Ebony and Ivory

“Ebony and Ivory” is a powerful plea for unity and understanding amidst division. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder use the contrasting imagery of black ebony keys and white ivory keys – traditionally symbols of racial separation – to represent the beauty of harmonious coexistence. The song’s core message emphasizes that despite outward differences, people are fundamentally the same, possessing both good and bad qualities. It's a call for empathy and acceptance, urging listeners to “learn to live” and “give each other what we need to survive,” suggesting a collaborative existence where shared humanity overcomes prejudice. The repeated refrain, "Oh, lord, why don’t we?” expresses a poignant question about the barriers that separate people, while the simple piano arrangement reinforces the song's optimistic and hopeful tone, ultimately advocating for a world built on harmony rather than division.

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Ebony and Ivory Lyrics