[Verse 1]
She was his (She was his)
She would take his children
Black and white
Like to her own breast

[Verse 2]
There were times (There were times)
When he could mix
With ordinary
White company (White company, white company)
But if the subject ever came up
No one would notice

[Chorus]
He had what they call "Passing Complexion"
He had what they call "Passing Complexion"
He had what they call "Passing Complexion"
He had what they call "Passing Complexion"

[Bridge]
He'd been white, he'd been black (He'd been white, he'd been black)
If they asked him, "he liked white better"
(If they asked him, "he liked white better")