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"Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" is a traditional Jamaican folk song. The song has mento influences, but it is commonly classified as an example of the better known calypso music. It is a call and response work song, from the point of view of dock workers working the night shift loading bananas onto ships. The lyrics describe how daylight has ...
Apr 24, 2024 · The Banana Boat Song, also known as Day-O, has been covered by many musicians worldwide since its release in 1956. But aside from its catchy tune and upbeat rhythm, what is the meaning behind the song that has made it a classic?
Sep 16, 2023 · The Banana Boat Song, also known as Day-O, was not written by Harry Belafonte, but rather it is a traditional Jamaican folk song. Its exact origins and authorship are uncertain, as folk songs are known for evolving over time through oral tradition.
“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” is a single from Harry Belafonte’s 1956 album Calypso is an adaptation of a vernacular Jamaican work song.
This is a traditional Jamaican song that was sung by dock workers who worked throughout the night loading bananas onto ships. It's daylight, and they look forward to the arrival of the Tallyman (who will take inventory) so they can go home.
The lyrics describe how daylight has come, their shift is over, and they want their work to be counted up so that they can go home. The best-known version was released by Jamaican singer Harry Belafonte in 1956 (originally titled "Banana Boat (Day-O)") and later became one of his signature songs.
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Jun 3, 2024 · The song “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” was actually written by Jamaican folk artist Irving Burgie, who also goes by the name Lord Burgess. He drew inspiration from his childhood experiences in Jamaica and his encounters with dock workers loading bananas onto ships.