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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 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
Sep 22, 2024 · The song’s writing credits are a mystery because different labels have different things, but it’s believed this song originated in the early 20th century when it was sung by Jamaican dock workers who loaded bananas onto ships during the night.
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?
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
The Banana Boat Song (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position.
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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.