Harry Belafonte Day O The Banana Boat Song Lyrics
Introduction
Harry Belafonte is a legendary musician and actor who has been active in the entertainment industry for more than six decades. He is known for his hit song, “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” which has become one of the most iconic and recognizable songs of all time. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in many movies and commercials. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, lyrics, and meaning of Harry Belafonte’s “Day O (The Banana Boat Song).”
The History of “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)”
“Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” was written by Irving Burgess in the 1950s. However, it was Harry Belafonte who made the song famous in 1956 when he recorded it for his album “Calypso.” The song became an instant hit and spent 31 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart. “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a traditional Jamaican folk song that was often sung by workers while they loaded bananas onto ships. The song’s lyrics reflect the harsh conditions that the workers faced while doing their job.
The Lyrics of “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)”
The lyrics of “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” are haunting and powerful. The song tells the story of Jamaican dock workers who have to work all night long to load bananas onto a boat. The workers sing “Day O” to keep their spirits up and to help them keep track of time. Here are the lyrics of the song:
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 de morning come
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come Mr. Tally Man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come Mr. Tally Man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
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
The Meaning of “Day O (The Banana Boat Song)”
“Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a song that reflects the hardships faced by the Jamaican workers who were responsible for loading bananas onto ships. The workers had to work long hours in harsh conditions, often with very little pay. The song is a symbol of their struggle and their resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics of the song celebrate the workers’ spirit and their determination to keep going no matter what. The song has become a symbol of Jamaican culture and is a testament to the island’s rich musical heritage.
Conclusion
“Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. The song’s haunting melody and powerful lyrics have made it one of the most recognizable songs of all time. Harry Belafonte’s version of the song has become the definitive version and has helped to bring the song to a wider audience. The song’s meaning is as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and it will continue to inspire and uplift people for years to come.