Yellow Bird High Up In Banana Tree Lyrics
If you've ever been to the Caribbean, you've probably heard the classic song "Yellow Bird," with its catchy melody and simple yet memorable lyrics. This folk song has been popular in the Caribbean for decades, and has been covered by musicians all over the world. But what are the actual lyrics to "Yellow Bird" and what do they mean? In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the lyrics of "Yellow Bird High Up In Banana Tree" and explore the history behind this beloved song.
The Origins of “Yellow Bird”
The origins of "Yellow Bird" can be traced back to Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century. The song was first written in 1909 by a Trinidadian calypsonian named Chieftain Joseph, who also went by the name Lovey's String Band. The original version of the song was called "Choucoune," which means "sweet little bird" in Creole French. This version was sung in a mixture of French and Creole and was popular with both the French and Creole-speaking communities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Over time, "Choucoune" evolved into "Yellow Bird" as musicians in other Caribbean countries began to adapt the song and make it their own. The song became especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was covered by artists such as Harry Belafonte and the Mills Brothers.
The Lyrics of “Yellow Bird”
So, what are the actual lyrics to "Yellow Bird"? Here they are in full:
Yellow bird,
Up high in banana tree.
Yellow bird,
You sit all alone like me.
Did your lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad,
Makes me feel so bad.
You can fly away,
In the sky away,
You're more lucky than me.
I also had a pretty gal,
She's not with me today.
They're all the same,
The pretty girls.
Take tenderness,
Then they fly away.
Yellow Bird,
Up high in banana tree.
Yellow Bird,
You sit all alone like me.
As you can see, the lyrics of "Yellow Bird" are simple and straightforward. The song tells the story of a lonely bird sitting high up in a banana tree, longing for his lady friend who has flown away. The narrator of the song identifies with the bird's loneliness and sadness, as he too has lost a loved one. The lyrics are easy to sing along to and have a universal appeal that has made the song a classic.
The Meanings Behind “Yellow Bird”
While the lyrics of "Yellow Bird" appear simple on the surface, there are deeper meanings behind the song that give it its enduring appeal.
For one thing, the song speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss. Whether you're a bird in a banana tree or a person sitting at home, everyone has gone through the pain of losing someone they love.
Additionally, the song can be seen as a commentary on the nature of relationships. The bird's lady friend has flown away, just as the narrator's pretty gal has left him. The lyrics suggest that pretty girls are flighty and unreliable, and that they will always eventually leave you behind. This interpretation of the song speaks to the gender dynamics of the time when it was written, when women often had fewer options and were more dependent on men for financial and emotional support.
The Legacy of “Yellow Bird”
Since it was first written over a century ago, "Yellow Bird" has become a beloved classic around the world. The song has been covered by countless musicians, from Harry Belafonte to the Mills Brothers to Bob Marley. Today, "Yellow Bird" remains a fixture of Caribbean culture and is often played at festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.
The enduring popularity of "Yellow Bird" speaks to the universality of its themes and the catchiness of its melody. Whether you're in the Caribbean or halfway around the world, the simple lyrics and memorable melody of "Yellow Bird" are sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Conclusion
"Yellow Bird High Up In Banana Tree" is a Caribbean classic that has been beloved for over a century. Its catchy melody and simple yet memorable lyrics have made it a staple of festivals, weddings, and other celebrations around the world. But more than just a party song, "Yellow Bird" speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss, and reminds us all of the fleeting nature of love and happiness.
