Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana
“Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” is a popular Jamaican folk song that has been sung by generations of Jamaicans. The song talks about a worker on a banana plantation who is asking the tally man, the person responsible for counting the bunches of bananas that have been harvested, to tally his bananas. It’s a catchy tune that is loved by people all over the world and has been covered by many popular musicians.
The Origin of the Song
The origins of “Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” can be traced back to Jamaica, where the banana industry has been a major part of the country’s economy for over a century. The song first became popular in the 1950s when Harry Belafonte, a Jamaican-American musician, recorded it for his album “Calypso”. The song was an instant hit and helped to popularize Caribbean music in the United States.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” are simple and easy to remember. They go like this:
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
He 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
The Meaning of the Song
The song has a simple meaning – it’s about a worker on a banana plantation who is tired from working all night and wants to go home. The worker is asking the tally man to count his bananas so he can go home and rest. The song is a celebration of the hard work that goes into producing bananas, a staple food in many parts of the world.
Cultural Significance
“Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” has become an important part of Jamaican culture and is often performed at cultural events and festivals. The song is also closely associated with the traditional Jamaican folk dance known as “mento”. The dance is performed to the beat of the song and involves a lot of hip movement and footwork.
The Legacy of the Song
The song has had a lasting impact on popular music and culture. It has been covered by many famous musicians over the years, including Harry Belafonte, who helped to popularize the song in the United States. The song has also been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, cementing its place in popular culture.
Conclusion
“Hey Mister Tally Man Tally Me Banana” is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of people all over the world. It’s a celebration of hard work and the importance of bananas in many parts of the world. The song has a simple yet catchy tune that is easy to sing along to, and it has become an important part of Jamaican culture. Its legacy lives on through the many musicians who have covered the song and the countless people who continue to enjoy it to this day.