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- 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.
www.songfacts.com/facts/harry-belafonte/the-banana-boat-song-day-o
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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 American singer Harry Belafonte in 1956 (originally titled "Banana Boat (Day-O)") and later became one of his signature songs.
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?
The Banana Boat Song (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position.
Apr 26, 2023 · “Banana Boat (Day-O)” is said to have originated around the turn of the 20th century in Jamaica. Dockworkers who loaded shipping vessels with bananas would work all through the night until the...
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Jun 3, 2024 · What does “Day-O” mean? The term “Day-O” is a Jamaican phrase that is short for “Daylight comes.” In the context of the song, it represents the workers calling for the night shift to end and for daylight to arrive so they can go home.
Apr 25, 2023 · As The New Yorker says, the tune for "Day-O" likely spans back to "the turn of the 20th century" as a call-and-response song composed of two sets of singers. This is exactly what the composition in Belafonte's version does.
Mar 22, 2018 · The irony that "Banana Boat Song," which depicts the daily struggle of Jamaican laborers, became a cheery, crowd-pleasing hit is not lost on Belafonte. The song has special meaning...
