Harry Belafonte – Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)

About the Song

In the realm of music, there exist songs that transcend time, effortlessly weaving their way into the very fabric of popular culture. Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” stands as a prime example of this enduring quality, a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire across generations.

Released in 1956, “Day-O” emerged as an instant sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with its infectious melody and poignant lyrics. Belafonte’s soothing baritone, infused with a touch of Caribbean flair, perfectly captures the essence of the song, painting a vivid picture of weary Jamaican dockworkers yearning for the end of their workday.

The song’s opening lines, “Day-O, Day-O, Daylight come and me wan’ go home,” immediately establish the theme of longing and anticipation. Belafonte’s voice echoes with a palpable sense of exhaustion, yet there’s an underlying glimmer of hope that permeates the lyrics.

As the song progresses, the call-and-response format between Belafonte and the chorus adds a layer of communal energy, transforming the song into a shared experience. The repetition of phrases like “Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch” and “Daylight come and me wan’ go home” creates a sense of unity, drawing listeners into the shared narrative.

“Day-O’s” enduring appeal lies not only in its catchy melody and relatable lyrics but also in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and simpler times. The song transports listeners to a bygone era, a time of manual labor and communal spirit, where the simple joys of life held greater significance.

Belafonte’s masterful performance further elevates the song, imbuing it with a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners of all ages. His voice, imbued with both weariness and resilience, captures the essence of the human spirit, its capacity for both struggle and hope.

“Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” remains a timeless classic, a song that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural and generational boundaries, uniting people through shared experiences and emotions. Belafonte’s legacy as a musical icon is firmly cemented by this iconic song, a reminder of the transformative power of music to touch hearts and souls.

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Lyrics: Day-O

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 homeWork all night on a drink of rum
Daylight come and me wan’ go home
Stack banana till de morning 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, 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, 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