Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana Lyrics
If you're familiar with the children's song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" which was made popular by Harry Belafonte in the 1950s, then you might have heard of the parody version called "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana". This controversial song gained popularity after the 9/11 attacks and was widely shared on the internet.
What are the "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" lyrics?
The parody version of the song goes:
I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee
I'm going to Afghanistan, my rifle by my side
I'm going to join the Taliban, and kill the infidel
Hey Mr. Taliban, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Come Mr. Taliban, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
The lyrics replace the original song's upbeat and playful tone with violent themes. It also uses racial stereotypes and reinforces Islamophobic sentiments.
Who wrote the "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" lyrics?
The original author of the parody song is unknown. However, it is believed to have been created and circulated by US soldiers deployed in Afghanistan in the early 2000s. The song was often chanted by soldiers during their patrols or while on base.
Why is the "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" song controversial?
The "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" song has been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes towards Muslims and portraying them as violent extremists. The lyrics also trivialize the war in Afghanistan and promote a sense of superiority among US soldiers.
In 2002, the song was played by a US military band in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during a visit by the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The incident sparked outrage among human rights groups and drew criticism from around the world.
What is the impact of the "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" song?
The "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" song is an example of how music can be used as a tool for propaganda and to spread messages of hate. It also highlights the importance of language and how the way we speak about others can have a significant impact on their lives.
Despite being widely criticized, the song continues to be shared on the internet and among certain groups. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the negative attitudes towards Muslims that still exist in some parts of the world.
In Conclusion
The "Hey Mr Taliban Tally Me Banana" song is a controversial parody of the popular children's song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)". It gained popularity after the 9/11 attacks and has been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes towards Muslims and promoting violence. The impact of the song highlights the importance of being mindful of the language we use and the messages we spread.