JAMAICA SKA
Byron Lee the Dragonaires Lyrics
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Not many people can cha cha cha.
Not everybody can do the twist.
But everybody can do the ska,
It′s the dance you can't resist.
Ska ska ska, Jamaica ska.
Now everybody can do the ska,
It′s new dance that goes like this...
Now bow your head,
Swing your arms,
Shake your hips,
Now do a dip.
The lyrics to Byron Lee the Dragonaires' song "Jamaica Ska" describe a new dance craze that everyone can do - the ska. Unlike other popular dances of the time, such as the cha-cha-cha and the twist, the ska is accessible to all. The repeated refrain of "ska ska ska, Jamaica ska" emphasizes the upbeat, rhythmic nature of the dance. The instructions for the dance are simple and easy to follow, encouraging everyone to join in - bow your head, swing your arms, shake your hips, and do a dip. The lyrics convey a sense of fun and enjoyment, inviting listeners to take part in this exciting new dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Ska ska ska, Jamaica ska.
Introducing the Jamaican ska music genre and setting the tone for the rest of the song.
Not many people can cha cha cha.
Pointing out that not all dance styles are easy to learn, and cha cha cha is one of them.
Not everybody can do the twist.
Further emphasizing that some people struggle with dances like the twist.
But everybody can do the ska,
Contrasting the previous lines by suggesting that ska is a dance style that everyone can do.
It′s the dance you can't resist.
Promoting ska as a fun and irresistible dance style.
Now everybody can do the ska,
Reiterating that anyone can learn and perform the ska.
It′s new dance that goes like this...
Introducing the ska dance as a fresh and exciting addition to the dance scene.
Now bow your head,
Instructing the listener to bow their head as a part of the ska dance moves.
Swing your arms,
Guiding the listener to swing their arms as another ska dance move.
Shake your hips,
Encouraging the listener to shake their hips as yet another ska dance move.
Now do a dip.
Concluding with the final dance move, which is a dip as a part of the ska dance routine.
Writer(s): Byron Lee
Contributed by Madison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lloydmorris1492
I visited Jamaica in 1964 with my family and I LOVED this song and the dance..Very fond memories...Peace and Love!
@Freespirit_survivor
I remember dancing to this song fifty three years ago in a neighbour’s living room!!! I thought all these years they were saying “star”.
@desireejaikaran1858
I remember the outdoor house parties. Warm tropical air. We were in paradise.
@marvabaker961
Remember this song as a teenager.Used to dance to it in the mirror.
@donaldmorrow3096
This record rocks so hard it hurts! It was released in the US as by the Ska Kings on Atlantic and was briefly in the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #98 in June, 1964. Byron worked as tirelessly as Bob Marley to get Jamaica's music heritage out to the rest of the world. This is but one pretty shiny example.
@bigguys45s29
Released in the USA under the different name of: The Ska Kings. Peaked at just No. 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964 for a single week on the Charts. Released off of Atlantic Records.
@gangstalove9418
I was 35 years old when i visited 🇯🇲 and this song played when i was laying on the beach.
@IanGarstang-kb9lu
Rudeboy ❤
@pacamaca9839
A joy . . Memories of fun and happiness at the Royal dancehall Tottenham . . My funeral song . . Really!!
@treblehead79
Byron Lee is my personal hero.