JAMAICA SKA
Byron Lee feat. 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 the song "Jamaica Ska" by Byron Lee & The Dragonaires celebrate the ska dance, emphasizing how everyone can do it regardless of their level of dance skills. While other dances like the cha cha cha and the twist may require some level of expertise, ska is inclusive and accessible to all. The lyrics encourage listeners to join in on the ska craze, referring to it as a dance that is irresistible. The instructions for the dance are given in the last stanza, with simple steps like swinging your arms, shaking your hips, and doing a dip. Overall, the song is a feel-good celebration of a cultural dance that brings people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Ska ska ska, Jamaica ska.
This song is all about the popular Jamaican dance, the ska.
Not many people can cha cha cha.
While some dances may be tricky, the ska is accessible to everyone.
Not everybody can do the twist.
Some people may struggle with other dances, but the ska is easy to learn.
But everybody can do the ska,
No matter your dance skills, the ska is a dance anyone can do.
It's the dance you can't resist.
Once you start dancing the ska, you won't want to stop!
Now everybody can do the ska,
Again, the point is made that the ska is a dance for everyone.
It's new dance that goes like this...
The ska is a fresh, exciting dance that is worth trying out.
Now bow your head,
The dance instructions begin with a bow of the head.
Swing your arms,
Next, the dancer swings their arms to the music.
Shake your hips,
To really get into the rhythm, the hips are then shaken.
Now do a dip.
Finally, the dancer does a dip to complete the ska dance.
Writer(s): Byron Lee
Contributed by Zoe L. 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.