Call Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana
“Day-o, day-o, daylight come and me wan’ go home…” If you are familiar with this song, then you might have heard of “Call Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” as well. This song is a Jamaican folk song that was made popular by Harry Belafonte in the late 1950s. It is a catchy tune that has captured the hearts of many people all over the world.
The Origin of the Song
The origins of “Call Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” can be traced back to Jamaica, where it was often sung by Jamaican dock workers. The song was used to keep up the pace while loading and unloading ships. The lyrics of the song are said to be based on the daily lives of these dock workers, who had to wake up early in the morning and work hard all day to earn a living.
The song talks about a man who works on the plantation and has to harvest bananas. He calls out to the tally man (the person who keeps track of the number of bunches of bananas harvested) to tally his bananas so that he can get paid for his hard work.
The Popularity of the Song
The song gained popularity when it was recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1956. Belafonte’s rendition of the song was featured in the movie “Beetlejuice” and also became a hit in the United States. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Kingston Trio, The Muppets, and The Wiggles, among others.
The song has also been used in many movies and TV shows, including “Beetlejuice,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “American Dad,” among others.
The Significance of the Song
“Call Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” is a simple song that talks about the hard work and struggles of the Jamaican dock workers. It is a reminder of the difficult lives that people in many parts of the world have to live in order to survive. The song also highlights the importance of bananas in Jamaican culture, where it is a staple food and an important export crop.
The song has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and has been embraced by people all over the world as a representation of the island’s rich heritage.
Conclusion
“Call Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” is a timeless song that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. It is a reminder of the hard work and struggles of the Jamaican dock workers and the importance of bananas in Jamaican culture. The song has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and has been embraced by people all over the world as a representation of the island’s rich heritage.
