The Banana Boat Song

· by Jamaican Work Song

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Lyrics

(CN.C.)Day

oh,

day

oh.

Day da light, and I wan na go home.

Six hand, sev en hand, eight hand, bunch!

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

We load ba na na till da ear ly light.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Day

(G)oh,

(F)day

(G)oh.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Day

(G)oh,

(F)day

(G)oh.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

(G7)wan na go (C)home.

(C)Come, Mis ter Tal ly man, come (G7)tal ly me ba na na.

(C)Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Come, Mis ter Tal ly man, come (G7)tal ly me ba na na.

(C)Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Day

(G)oh,

(F)day

(C)oh.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

Day da light, and I (G7)wan na go (C)home.

The Banana Boat Song by Jamaican Work Song — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Banana Boat Song” by Jamaican Work Song in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 80 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Banana Boat Song" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "The Banana Boat Song"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "The Banana Boat Song" use?: Just 4 chords: C, F, G, G7. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Jamaican Work Song songs work for kids?: Try "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.