How Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder came together for their iconic duet  'Ebony and... - Smooth

About the song

Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder’s 1982 duet “Ebony and Ivory” is a celebrated anthem promoting racial harmony and unity. Featured on McCartney’s album Tug of War, the song uses the metaphor of piano keys—black and white—to emphasize the importance of living together in harmony.

With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Ebony and Ivory” showcases the vocal talents of both artists, blending McCartney’s smooth pop sensibilities with Wonder’s soulful voice. The song’s simple yet powerful message about racial equality and togetherness struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

“Ebony and Ivory” became a major hit, topping the charts in multiple countries. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message of unity and the seamless collaboration between two of music’s most influential artists.

Video

Lyric

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmonySide by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord, why don’t we?
We all know that people are the same whereever you goThere is good and bad in ev’ryoneWe learn to live, when we learn to giveEach other what we need to survive, together alive
Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmonySide by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord why don’t we?
Ebony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, ooh
We all know that people are the same whereever you goThere is good and bad in ev’ryoneWe learn to live, when we learn to giveEach other what we need to survive, together alive
Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmonySide by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord why don’t we?
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh Lord, why don’t weEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmonyEbony, ivory, living in perfect harmony