Day-O Lyrics - Alfie Davis and the Sylia Young Theatre School Choir

About “Day-O”

Day-O (also known as *The Banana Boat Song*) is a traditional Jamaican work song, famously popularized by Harry Belafonte. This version, performed by Alfie Davis & The Sylvia Young Theatre School Choir, is featured on the *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)*. Released in May 2024, this cover retains the playful and rhythmic spirit of the original, reflecting its origins as a call-and-response song from dock workers who loaded bananas. Its use in the *Beetlejuice* soundtrack adds a quirky, nostalgic touch to the film’s narrative, particularly during its memorable dinner scene.

• Album: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)


• Artist: Alfie Davis & The Sylvia Young Theatre School Choir


• Writers: Harry Belafonte, Lord Burgess, William Attaway


• Genre: Pop, Traditional Folk


• Release Date: May 13, 2024

Song Meanings Explained.

Day-O revolves around the daily lives of banana workers in Jamaica, who sing about the end of a long night’s work and their desire to go home at daylight. The song uses rhythmic repetition to mimic the physical labor of stacking bananas, while the call-and-response format emphasizes the communal nature of the workers. The famous lines “Daylight come and me wan' go home” reflect the workers' exhaustion and anticipation of rest after toiling through the night.

[Verse 1]

The first verse highlights the workers' labor, where they “stack banana 'til the morning come.” The repetition of the "tally me banana" line refers to the tallying process when the workers' efforts are counted and recorded. The phrase captures the monotonous but necessary task of counting bananas before they can end their shift.

[Chorus]

The chorus emphasizes the workers’ yearning for the end of their workday. The repeated line "Daylight come and me want to go home" reflects both their physical tiredness and their emotional desire for rest and freedom.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, the workers continue stacking bunches of bananas while humorously warning about the presence of a "deadly black tarantula." This line adds a light-hearted, playful element to the song while reflecting some of the dangers and challenges faced during their labor.

Song Theme.

The theme of Day-O revolves around the struggle of labor, particularly in the context of physical, repetitive work, and the desire for respite at the end of the shift. The song’s infectious rhythm, coupled with its universal themes of endurance and anticipation of rest, makes it relatable and enduring. At its core, the song captures the exhaustion and hopes of workers looking forward to the end of their day.

Technical Analysis.

Musically, Day-O is built on a call-and-response structure, which is typical of work songs, allowing the workers to maintain morale and keep pace during physically demanding tasks. The rhythmic chanting in the verses mirrors the repetitive nature of the work, while the upbeat melody keeps the mood light and communal. This version, featuring a children’s choir, brings a fresh, youthful energy to the traditional song, giving it a lively and spirited rendition that aligns well with the playful atmosphere of *Beetlejuice*. The performance highlights the enduring appeal of the song across generations and contexts.