About the song
“Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte is a timeless classic that has delighted listeners for decades with its infectious rhythm and vivid storytelling. Released in 1956 as part of the album “Calypso,” this song became an instant hit and is widely considered one of the defining tracks of the calypso music genre. Harry Belafonte, often hailed as the “King of Calypso,” brought the vibrant sounds of Caribbean music to the international stage, and “Banana Boat Song” remains his most iconic piece.
The song’s origins are deeply rooted in Jamaican folk music, and it captures the essence of the laboring dockworkers’ shouts as they load bananas onto ships. The repetitive “Day-O” refrain is both a call-and-response chant and a way to sync the laborers’ efforts. This traditional Jamaican folk tune was adapted and arranged by Harry Belafonte and his collaborators, including Irving Burgie (also known as Lord Burgess), who wrote many of Belafonte’s hits.
“Banana Boat Song” achieved remarkable success, reaching number five on the Billboard charts in 1957 and becoming a cultural phenomenon. It was featured in various films and television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture. The song’s catchy melody and Belafonte’s charismatic delivery helped introduce audiences worldwide to the rich sounds of Caribbean music.
Belafonte’s rendition of “Banana Boat Song” is not just a fun, upbeat tune; it also carries a deeper cultural significance, reflecting the hard work and rhythmic life of the Caribbean people. It’s a perfect example of how music can transcend borders and bring people together, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of those in a different part of the world.
For those who grew up with the song, “Banana Boat Song” is a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era, while for newer generations, it’s an inviting entry point into the lively and soulful world of calypso music. Harry Belafonte’s masterful performance continues to resonate, making “Banana Boat Song” an enduring piece of musical history.
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Lyrics
Day-o, day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Me say day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Work all night on a drink of rum
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Stack banana ’til de mornin’ come
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come, mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come, mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
A beautiful bunch o’ ripe banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Hide the deadly black tarantula
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Lift six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come, mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Come, mister tally man, tally me banana
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day-o, day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
Me say day, me say day-o
Daylight come and me wan’ go home