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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.
Jul 3, 2024 · Why is the song also known as “Day-O”? “Day-O” is a repeated phrase throughout the song, which derives from the Jamaican term “daylight come and me wan’ go home.” This phrase represents the desire for daylight to come, signaling the end of a long night shift and the workers’ yearning to return to their homes.
- Ken Chamberlain
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...
- Staff Writer
- 4 min
Apr 24, 2024 · When you hear “Day-O” or “Come, Mister tally man, tally me banana,” you know you’re about to listen to one of the most famous calypso songs ever recorded. The Banana Boat Song, also known as Day-O, has been covered by many musicians worldwide since its release in 1956.
The lyrics of "Day-O" are simple yet powerful, reflecting the daily lives of Jamaican banana workers. The song is a call-and-response work song, with the chorus being a rousing cry for the sun to rise and signal the start of their workday. Here's a breakdown of the lyrics: Verse 1. Day-O, Day-O, Daylight come and I wanna go home
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.
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What is Day-O (Banana Boat Song)?
The Banana Boat Song (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position.