Hey Mr Tally Man Give Me A Banana
“Hey Mr Tally Man, Tally me banana!” is a popular refrain from the traditional Jamaican folk song, “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The words are often associated with the image of happy islanders working hard in the sun, gathering bananas for export. But there is much more to this song than just a catchy chorus. In fact, the “Banana Boat Song” has a rich history that sheds light on the social and economic conditions of Jamaica in the mid-20th century.
The Origins of the Banana Industry in Jamaica
At the turn of the 20th century, Jamaica was a British colony heavily dependent on the export of agricultural products such as sugar and coffee. However, in the early 1900s, a disease known as Panama disease wiped out much of the country’s coffee crop. This crisis led the colonial government to explore alternative crops that could sustain the island’s economy. In 1910, the Jamaican government began promoting the cultivation of bananas as a new source of income.
During the early years of the banana industry in Jamaica, small farmers grew bananas for local consumption. However, as demand for bananas increased in the United States, large-scale banana plantations were established on the island. These plantations were owned by foreign companies such as United Fruit Company (now known as Chiquita Brands International) and were notorious for exploiting Jamaican workers.
The Life of the Banana Worker
Life for Jamaican banana workers in the mid-20th century was harsh. Many workers lived in squalid conditions on the plantations, with little access to healthcare or education. Wages were low, and workers had few rights or protections. They were often the victims of violence and abuse at the hands of plantation owners and overseers. In many ways, the life of the Jamaican banana worker was not all that different from the life of the enslaved Africans who worked on sugar plantations centuries earlier.
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” was written by the Jamaican-American songwriter Irving Burgie in 1952. The song tells the story of Jamaican dockworkers who load bananas onto ships bound for the United States. The song’s lyrics, which include the refrain “Hey Mr Tally Man, Tally me banana,” were inspired by the way in which the workers counted the bananas as they loaded them onto the ships. The song became an instant hit and has since become a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists over the years.
The Legacy of the Banana Industry in Jamaica
Today, the banana industry is still an important part of Jamaica’s economy. However, the legacy of exploitation and violence associated with the industry continues to haunt the island. Many Jamaicans see “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” as a symbol of their country’s complex history, reminding them of the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors.
Despite the dark history of the banana industry in Jamaica, the song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” remains a beloved classic that has transcended its origins. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics have made it a staple at parties and events around the world. And the image of the hard-working Jamaican banana worker, immortalized in the song’s lyrics, is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people.