“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a traditional Jamaican folk song. It is a work song, with lyrics that describe the life of plantation workers. The song was popularized by Harry Belafonte in the 1950s, and it has since become a classic. The song’s most recognizable line is “Daylight come and I want to go home.”
History of the Song
The origins of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” are unclear. The song is believed to date back to the 19th century, and it is thought to have been sung by workers in the Jamaican banana industry. The song was first recorded in the 1950s by the Trinidadian musician Edric Connor.
Harry Belafonte’s 1956 recording of the song became a hit in the United States and around the world. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and memorable lyrics made it an instant classic. The song has been covered by countless artists, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
Lyrics of the Song
The lyrics of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” describe the life of plantation workers in Jamaica. The workers would sing the song as they loaded bananas onto boats bound for the United States. The song’s most famous line is “Daylight come and I want to go home,” which expresses the workers’ desire to finish their work and return to their families.
The full lyrics of the song are:
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
Meaning of the Song
The lyrics of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” are simple, but they convey a powerful message. The song is a reminder of the difficult lives of plantation workers in Jamaica, and it expresses their longing for freedom and the comfort of home.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. The song has been used in films such as Beetlejuice and The Minions, and it has been covered by artists such as The Tokens and Shaggy.
Conclusion
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a classic Jamaican folk song that has become a cultural icon. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. The song is a reminder of the difficult lives of plantation workers in Jamaica, and it expresses their longing for freedom and the comfort of home. The song’s popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal, and it will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
