Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana
Have you ever heard the popular Jamaican tune "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana"? If you haven't, you're in for a treat. This song has been loved by many for decades, and it's not hard to see why. It's catchy, fun, and it makes you want to dance. In this article, we'll explore the origin of the song, its lyrics, and why it's become such a beloved piece of Jamaican culture.
The Origin of "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana"
"Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" originated in Jamaica during the time of slavery. This song was traditionally sung by plantation workers while they worked in the fields. The lyrics of the song talk about the workers' daily routine and their desire for the tally man to come and count the bananas that they had harvested. This was important, as the tally man was responsible for keeping track of the amount of work that each worker had done, and how much they would be paid.
During those difficult times, music was an escape for the Jamaican people. They would sing as they worked, to distract themselves from the hardships of their daily lives. "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" became a popular song because of its catchy melody and simple lyrics. It was a way for the plantation workers to express themselves and their hopes for a better future.
The Lyrics of "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana"
The lyrics of "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" are simple and easy to remember. Here are the lyrics in full:
Daylight come and me wan' go homeDay, me say day, me say day, me say dayMe say day, me say day-oDaylight come and me wan' go homeWork all night on a drink of rumDaylight come and me wan' go homeStack banana till de morning comeDaylight come and me wan' go homeCome, Mister Tally Man, tally me bananaDaylight come and me wan' go homeCome, Mister Tally Man, tally me bananaDaylight come and me wan' go home
The song starts by talking about the desire to go home as the day breaks. The reference to "daylight come" is a nod to the workers' early work schedule. The workers would start their day very early in the morning, and by the time daylight came, they were ready to go home.
The second verse talks about the hard work that the plantation workers had to do. They worked all night on a drink of rum and stacked bananas until the morning came. This was a grueling job, but the workers still found a way to make the most of it by singing and dancing.
The third and final verse is the most famous part of the song. It talks about the tally man and the workers' desire for him to come and count their bananas. This was important, as it determined how much they would be paid. The repetition of "daylight come and me wan' go home" at the end of each verse reinforces the workers' desire to finish their work and go home.
Why "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is Beloved by Many
Today, "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is a beloved piece of Jamaican culture. It's often played at festivals, parties, and other events. The song's catchy melody and fun lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser.
But beyond its entertainment value, "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" represents an important part of Jamaican history. It's a reminder of the hardships that the Jamaican people faced during the time of slavery, and how they used music to cope with those hardships. It's a symbol of resilience and hope, and that's why it's still loved by so many today.
Conclusion
"Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is a fun and catchy Jamaican song that has been loved by many for decades. Its origin as a song sung by plantation workers during the time of slavery gives it a deeper meaning and importance. Today, it's a beloved part of Jamaican culture and represents resilience and hope. Whether you're dancing to it at a party or just listening to it at home, "Come Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana" is sure to bring a smile to your face.