Thread: spelled it out in black and white

What the meaning of that phrase? (its a line from song of The Rembrandts)
I guess its like somebody whispers in the darkness?
or maybe something like написано чёрным по белому? (в смысле ясно, точно, окончательно, бесповоротно)

thanks for attention that's all question

I am not sure but most likely the first of the following two meanings:

in black and white 1 : in written or printed form ▪ I want to see it in black and white.
2 : in a way that involves a simple choice between two opposite things (such as good and bad or right and wrong) ▪ She sees everything in black and white.

Merriam Webster's Learner's Dictionary (2009) http://www.learnersdictionary.com/searc ... nd%20white

Of course, without context it's difficult to say exactly what it means here. It's often used sarcastically. For example if someone doesn't understand something simple you can say, "do I have to spell it out for you in black and white?" In other words, this is very simple, do I have to explain it in detail?

Thanks for responce!
In Russian we have exactly the same meanings! Black&White photo, writing "black" letters on "white" paper and "black and white" - bad and good only.

But in that case what does means "spell it out"?

And... there is the context, I would glad if somebody helps me understand main sence of it.

I've never had a hand for solitaire - it's so unfair.
Did I should have my chance and lose?
I feel like I've been used to
help you through another night.
You spelled it out in black and white

Solitaire here its a card game or a brilliance?

Originally Posted by Shurick

I've never had a hand for solitaire - it's so unfair.
That I should have my chance and lose?
I feel like I've been used to
help you through another night.
You spelled it out in black and white

Solitaire here its a card game or a brilliance?

Solitaire is a card game but here it's a metaphor for being alone. Unfortunately the words are rather vague and generic so it's hard to get a grip on exactly what "You spelled it out in black and white" refers to. Apparently she used him to make it "through another night" and she was pretty clear about that (she spelled it out in black and white.) Quite frankly, I think the author just threw that line on there because white rhymes with night and also because it seems to say something, even if vaguely.

Well if you look at the context of the whole song you can kinda figure out the meaning as a whole.

It is hard sometimes to take a line or two out and ask what it means. Songs usually convey a message overall.

So here is the lyrics to the whole song:

Do you remember once upon a time - when you were mine?
The stars above were bright and new.
I pulled them down for you, just when I fell in love again.
You said that all good things must end

BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY (WHOAH WHOAH)
BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY

I've never had a hand for solitaire - it's so unfair.
That I should have my chance and lose?
I feel like I've been used to help you through another night.
You spelled it out in black and white

BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY (WHOAH WHOAH)
BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY

The tides that once had carried you away - they bring you back today.
The time has washed away my pain.
I find that things have changed and disappeared without a trace.
You can't get back what you've erased
And I say

BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY - THAT�S JUST THE WAY IT IS
BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY - OH THAT�S JUST THE WAY IT IS
BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY
BABY, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY
BABY,THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS BABY - JUST THE WAY IT IS
[to fade�]

The first verse he is remembering and asking if she does to. Knowing that she stated to him clearly that it ended.

The 2nd verse: the 1st line he is stating that he does not do well being alone. the 2nd and 3rd line go together he is stating that he had his chance at being alone and she came back for whatever reason and he allowed it. So he lost his chance at standing his ground. She plainly told him in words he could under stand (black and white) why she was back or why she was there. Like he was in denial of her words.

The 3rd verse: He finally has let her go. even though she is coming back to him.he is telling her now that she can't expect things the way they were.

Does this help a bit. I get the gist of the song. Just hard for me to verbalize it to others.

Hope it helps some.

Thanks, your answers helps me a lot.
Oh... If you still keep attension for this point, I want to perform my translation of this song...
I wanted to do not just translation, but keep rhyme and metre... and even sounds of last syllable. And didn't lose sence by the way.
But, now I'll be glad your explanations about chorus... cos Im not sure...

Ты помнишь эти дни, когда... была моей.
Все звезды что светили нам
Сложил в ладонь твою. И вот когда я вновь влюблён
Ты говоришь: "Забудь как сон"

Мне не везло ни в карты, ни в любви - удачи нет.
Отведать пораженья вкус?
Жилеткой не берусь я быть. Лишь ночь... тоску твою унять...
Ты так мне всё дала понять.

Тот ветер что унёс тебя в тот день, принес тебя вчера
Проходит время, боли нет,
Она ушла, исчез и след. Но не вернуть всё, нет чудес
Я сам всё стёр - и след исчез.
И я пою:

what would you say about it?

Originally Posted by Shurick

But, now I'll be glad your explanations about chorus... cos Im not sure...

Милая моя, просто это так... (??)


Жилеткой не берусь я быть.
Что это значит?

what would you say about it? Хорошо

"плакать кому-либо в жилетку" = "cry on smb.'s shoulder"

my version:
"Детка, всё это так и есть, Детка..."

Originally Posted by Shurick

Thanks, your answers helps me a lot.
Oh... If you still keep attension for this point, I want to perform my translation of this song...
I wanted to do not just translation, but keep rhyme and metre... and even sounds of last syllable. And didn't lose sence by the way.
But, now I'll be glad your explanations about chorus... cos Im not sure...

Ты помнишь эти дни, когда... была моей.
Все звезды что светили нам
Сложил в ладонь твою. И вот когда я вновь влюблён
Ты говоришь: "Забудь как сон"

Мне не везло ни в карты, ни в любви - удачи нет.
Отведать пораженья вкус?
Жилеткой не берусь я быть. Лишь ночь... тоску твою унять...
Ты так мне всё дала понять.

Тот ветер что унёс тебя в тот день, принес тебя вчера
Проходит время, боли нет,
Она ушла, исчез и след. Но не вернуть всё, нет чудес
Я сам всё стёр - и след исчез.
И я пою:

what would you say about it?

I wish I could help you with the russian with rhyme and metre... and even sounds of last syllable. But I can not. I am just learning russian myself. Which means I would probably make a mistake of it on your end. I am sorry.

The chorus is:

BABY (is a term of endearment not a reference to an infant. Like sweetheart, honey)
THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS (is stating that things have changed and she can not get them back. That it is what it is. What is now is now. No going back.)

Does this help?

Yes.
Thanks for answers!