Day O The Banana Boat Song Lyrics
Everyone knows the chorus of the "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" from commercials, movies, and TV shows, but not everyone knows the history behind this iconic Jamaican folk song. The song is also known as "Day O" and "The Banana Boat Song," and it was originally sung by Jamaican calypso artist Harry Belafonte. The song was written by Irving Burgie, who was a frequent collaborator with Belafonte, and was first recorded in 1956.
The History Behind "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)"
The history behind "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" goes back to the days of Jamaican slavery, where workers would sing songs to make their work more bearable. The inspiration for the song came from the practice of working at night and sleeping during the day to avoid the heat of the sun. In the song, the workers are counting down the hours until they can go home for the day.
The song's lyrics are in Jamaican Creole, which is a mixture of English, African, and Spanish. Creole is the language spoken by slaves on the plantations in Jamaica, and it has its own unique grammar and vocabulary. The song's lyrics also reference the Jamaican tradition of working on a banana plantation, which was a major industry in the country at the time.
The Lyrics of "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)"
The lyrics of "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" are catchy and easy to sing along to. The song's chorus is the most well-known part of the song, and it goes like this:
"Day-o, day-ay-ay-o, daylight come and me wan' go home"
The verses of the song are filled with references to the banana plantation, including references to the tallyman (who kept track of the number of bananas picked), the stacker (who stacked the bananas on the truck), and the dock worker (who loaded the bananas onto the ship).
The song's lyrics also mention the moon, which is a reference to the practice of working at night. The workers would use the moonlight to help them see while they were working in the fields.
The Legacy of "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)"
"Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" has become an iconic song, not just in Jamaica, but around the world. The song has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, including The Muppets, Shaggy, and even David Bowie.
The song has also been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, including Beetlejuice, The Simpsons, and even a Geico commercial.
The legacy of "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" is a testament to the power of folk music, and how it can capture the spirit and culture of a people. The song's catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a beloved classic that will continue to be sung for generations to come.
Conclusion
The story behind "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" is a fascinating look into the history and culture of Jamaica. The song's lyrics and melody are a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Jamaican people, and their ability to turn even the most arduous tasks into something beautiful.
The legacy of the song is a reminder of the power of music to unite people from all walks of life, and to bring a little bit of joy and happiness into their lives. Whether you're singing along to the chorus or humming the melody, "Day O (The Banana Boat Song)" is a song that will always hold a special place in our hearts.