Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana
If you're looking for a song to brighten up your day and get you moving, look no further than "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana." This classic Jamaican tune has been enjoyed by generations of kids and adults alike, with its upbeat melody, catchy lyrics, and fun dance moves. But where did this song come from, and what is its history? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the origins and meaning of "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana," as well as some interesting facts and trivia about this beloved tune. So sit back, relax, and get ready to sing along!
The History of "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana"
Despite its cheerful and lighthearted tone, "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana" actually has a deeper history that reflects the struggles and resilience of Jamaican culture. The song's lyrics refer to the practice of tallying or counting goods, such as bananas, that were exported from Jamaica to other countries in the 19th century. At the time, Jamaica was part of the British Empire and relied heavily on exports for its economic survival.
The job of the "tally man" was to count and record the number of bananas or other goods being loaded onto ships for transport. The job was often done by enslaved or indentured workers, who were forced to work long hours for little pay or recognition. Despite these harsh conditions, many Jamaicans found hope and joy in their culture and music, which provided a sense of community and pride.
The song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," which shares some similarities with "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana," is also rooted in this history of Jamaican exports and labor. "Day-O" was written by Jamaican singer Irving Burgie in the 1950s and became a hit song for Harry Belafonte, popularizing Jamaican music and culture around the world.
The Lyrics and Meaning of "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana"
Now that we know a bit about the history behind "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana," let's look at the lyrics and meaning of the song. The basic structure of the song involves a call-and-response format, with one person singing the main verse and others joining in with the repeated chorus of "Tally man, tally me banana."
The lyrics of the verse go as follows:
"Tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Come, Mister Tally Man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home"
The repetition of "daylight come and me wan' go home" reflects the desire of many Jamaican workers to end their long workday and return to their families and homes. The chorus of "tally man, tally me banana" is a reference to the counting of goods that we discussed earlier, and also serves as a catchy and fun phrase for kids and adults to chant or sing along with.
The song also includes some additional verses that add to the playful and whimsical nature of the tune. For example:
"Come, Mister Tally Man, tally me banana
Come, monkey, come, monkey, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Day, me say day-ay-ay-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home"
The reference to monkeys is another nod to Jamaican culture and wildlife, as the country is home to many species of monkeys and other exotic animals. The phrase "day, me say day-ay-ay-o" is a call-and-response chant that adds to the rhythm and energy of the song.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana"
Now that we've explored the history and meaning of "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana," let's wrap up with some fun and fascinating facts about this beloved song:
- The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Harry Belafonte, the Wiggles, and even the Muppets!
- The song has been featured in movies and TV shows, such as "Beetlejuice" and "The Simpsons."
- The song is often taught to children in schools or music classes, as a fun and easy way to learn about Jamaican culture and music.
- In Jamaica, the phrase "tally me banana" is sometimes used as slang for "count me in" or "include me."
- The song has been parodied and adapted many times over the years, with versions such as "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Grapes" and "Tally Me Energy Banana" becoming popular in different contexts.
So there you have it – the fascinating history, lyrics, and trivia of "Tally Man Tally Man Tally Me Banana." Whether you're a longtime fan of this classic tune or just discovering it for the first time, we hope you've enjoyed learning more about the cultural significance and joy of Jamaican music. So next time you're feeling down or in need of a pick-me-up, just remember to sing "tally man, tally me banana" and dance your troubles away!
