Harry Belafonte Banana Boat Song Lyrics Youtube
Introduction
Harry Belafonte is a legendary musician, actor, and social activist who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. One of his most popular songs is the "Banana Boat Song," also known as "Day-O." This article will provide a comprehensive look at the song's lyrics, Harry Belafonte's background, and how the song became a global hit. You'll also learn about the different versions of the song and how it remains a favorite in pop culture, including on YouTube.
Harry Belafonte's Background
Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York on March 1, 1927. He was raised by his Jamaican mother, who worked as a domestic worker. Belafonte served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and afterward, he began his career as a singer. He quickly became known for his unique blend of Caribbean music, calypso, and jazz, which made him stand out from other performers of the time.
The "Banana Boat Song" Lyrics
The "Banana Boat Song" was written by Irving Burgie and William Attaway in 1952. It was first recorded by Lord Burgess (Burgie's stage name). The song tells the story of Jamaican dockworkers loading bananas onto a ship while singing the song to pass the time. Here are the lyrics:
Day-o, day-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Me say day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Work all night on a drink of rum
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Stack banana till the morning come
Daylight come and me wan' go home
Come, Mister 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 Song's Success
The "Banana Boat Song" became a massive hit in the 1950s, thanks to Harry Belafonte's performance on television's "The Colgate Comedy Hour." The song peaked at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1957. It also became a global hit and remains a popular classic today. The song has been featured in various movies, TV shows, commercials, and even video games. One of the most popular versions of the song on YouTube is Harry Belafonte's live performance at Carnegie Hall in 1997.
Other Versions of the Song
Aside from Harry Belafonte's version, the "Banana Boat Song" has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, and The Muppets. In 2019, the song was reimagined by Lil Nas X, who blended it with his hit single "Old Town Road." The revamped version was titled "Rodeo (Banana Remix)." The song remains a favorite among fans of different genres and generations.
Conclusion
Harry Belafonte's "Banana Boat Song" has stood the test of time and remains a classic song that everyone knows and loves. The song's catchy melody and lyrics continue to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, the song continues to reach new audiences and inspire new versions and covers. As Harry Belafonte himself once said, "The power of music brings us together."