The Banana Boat Song is a classic tune that has been covered by multiple artists over the years. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm have made it a staple of beach parties and summer playlists. But have you ever wondered who wrote this iconic song?
Contrary to popular belief, the Banana Boat Song was not actually written by Harry Belafonte, who famously covered the song in 1956. The origins of the song can be traced back to Jamaica in the early 20th century.
The song’s original title is “Day-O,” and it was first recorded in 1952 by Jamaican artist Edric Connor. However, the roots of the song go back much further than that. The lyrics and melody are based on traditional Jamaican folk songs that were sung by workers loading bananas onto boats.
The workers would sing these songs as a way to pass the time and coordinate their movements while loading heavy bunches of bananas onto ships. The rhythmic chanting and call-and-response style of these songs served as a form of communication between workers.
It wasn’t until American composer Irving Burgie heard these traditional tunes during a trip to Jamaica in the 1950s that they were adapted into what we know today as the Banana Boat Song. Burgie wrote new lyrics and added his own melody to create the version that would become a hit for Belafonte.
Burgie’s version of the Banana Boat Song features lyrics about working all night on a banana boat, with lines like “Daylight come and me wan’ go home” and “Six foot, seven foot, eight foot bunch.” These lyrics capture both the hard work of loading bananas onto ships and the joyous celebration that comes with completing a long night’s work.
The combination of Burgie’s catchy melody and Belafonte’s smooth vocals helped make the Banana Boat Song an instant classic when it was released in 1956. Since then, it has been covered by countless artists, including The Muppets, Shaggy, and even Beetlejuice (in the iconic dinner party scene from the movie).
In conclusion, while Harry Belafonte’s version of the Banana Boat Song may be the most well-known, it was actually written by American composer Irving Burgie based on traditional Jamaican folk songs. The song’s catchy melody and lyrics about hard work and celebration have made it a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed today.
