Search results
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 song’s catchy chorus has become a popular meme on social media, and the phrase “Day-O” has become synonymous with Caribbean culture. The song’s success has also helped to catapult Harry Belafonte to international stardom and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest performers of all time.
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. Belafonte's version used lyrics adapted by Irving Burgie and William Attaway.
Apr 25, 2023 · When Harry Belafonte released "Calypso" in 1956, he had no idea that either the album or the much-sung single "Day-O" would be a hit. Here's the story.
Apr 26, 2023 · Harry Belafonte brought the sway of the Caribbean to an American audience by popularizing the Calypso genre with "Banana Boat (Day-O)."
- Staff Writer
- 4 min
Apr 4, 2018 · In the subsequent decades, “Day-O” began to reemerge in strange corners of pop culture. Kiddie music legend Raffi covered it, as did dozens of others. Comedian André van Duin parodied it.
People also ask
Why is 'Day-O' so popular?
Why is Day-O a good song?
Why is the song Day O called Day O?
Why is 'Banana Boat (Day-O)' so popular?
Why is Banana Boat (Day-O) a call-and-response song?
Is Day-O a period-accurate song?
Jul 3, 2024 · The Banana Boat Song, also known as “Day-O,” is a Caribbean folk song that gained worldwide popularity when it was recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1956. This iconic song carries a deeper meaning that reflects the struggles and resilience of the working class in the Caribbean.
