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.
@SNSMediatech
Sat 28.10.23 - I have not long come back from the Broadway Theatre Catford after seeing ‘The Front Room’ A Windrush Legend. If you were there it was a ‘great night’ and the ‘Freedom Band’ performed this song extremely well and had everyone up on their feet dancing in and around their seats and in the aisles. Oh! By the way, I was the one in the blue ‘pin stripe’ double breasted jacket with cream buttons and complimentary cream trousers, blue ‘trilby’ hat and blue & white ‘polka dot’ tie who looked as though I had just stepped off the Windrush. My thanks go out to the ‘hostess’ who singled me out for my outfit and my dancing and to everyone else who also showed their appreciation in the interlude. I am 59 now and my beloved parents are both dearly departed but I can remember the days of their Blaupunkt (Bluespot) ‘Barcelona’ model radio gram with mirrored and satin quilted drinks cabinet and 45’s ‘stacked’ and ready to drop on its Garrard deck on a Saturday night/Sunday morning. Those were the days my friends! As writer, producer, director Tony Fairweather said. If you are fortunate to have anyone from this era still in your life, “keep asking them questions and telling their stories” and mine goes something like this…
In 1962 my mother was 28 and worked as a NHS nurse at the Children’s Hospital Great Ormond Street, London and at the age of 30 then, my father was the ‘first black man’ in England to work as a bookmaker which in those days were called ‘Turf Accountants’ and he got the job because he used to write out the slips and put bets on for a local person who could not write and the bookmakers liked his handwriting and offered him a job as a ‘chalky’ that’s the nickname for the person who does the board. When he got the job he even made the local newspaper ‘The Hackney Gazette’ and I have the picture to prove it. My mother eventually gave up nursing and she followed my father into the bookmakers profession and for a short period of time they worked together and then for different companies until they both retired.
I chose to tell this story here because my parents were from ‘Jamaica’ and the nostalgia this footage evokes…
Mum & Dad! I thought of you tonight and may the music and the memories live on.
Howard Davis
@christinehitchens904
I am nearly 80 and I can still dance to this song such happy memories
@davidhocde007
Go for it, Christine. Shake it...
@dorac8399
Me too yes sah
@zackwolfe1664
Go Christine!
@derekdarby5159
Keep going Christine I dance every night one hour 👍🏻👠
@christinehitchens904
Thank you all for your reply and I am still dancing and recovering from cancer so dancing was my exaside
@rodmcdonough6111
Because of You Tube, classics like this will never be forgotten
@donhue4546
lol,you know nothing
@bridgettespies5279
I'm on a ventilator in my bed watching this and waist to toes are moving under my blanket..brabrahahaha brabrahahaha.. gotta be on go-slow so that the alarm doesn't go off, but, when this music hit, you feel no pain, just go with it...just a groovin yaar....totally giggin it.. eh.. nice nice nice.. those were the days.. at 58 I can relate..even with all the new rages.ska is still the soul of the soil.. sweet as..
@donhue4546
jamaicas national sound THE SKA