Count Lasher (Terence Parkins) was most likely Mento's greatest single tale… Read Full Bio ↴Count Lasher (Terence Parkins) was most likely Mento's greatest single talent. He was one of mento's very best vocalists (along with Harold Richardson) and one of its very best writers (along with Everard Williams). Lasher was equally at home recording in the rural and urban mento styles, just as he was recording original compositions as well as old Jamaican mento/folk songs.

He was Jamaica's biggest golden age mento star, full of talent and charisma. His popularity was only rivaled by the cross-over fame of Lord Flea. Lasher was also one of mento's most prolific artists, recording at least 50 tracks right through the first part of the 1970s, by which time he had moved from various mento sounds to a brief dalliance with ska and then into reggae.

For all the many singles he recorded, Lasher has never released a CD or LP. And although a handful of his tracks are available today, considering his stature, Count Lasher may be the single most neglected artist in the history of Jamaican recorded music. Count Lasher died in 1977 at the age of 51.

from www.mentomusic.com

Calypso Cha Cha Cha
Count Lasher Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Cha Cha Cha
Cha Cha Cha

When first I head the cha cha
It thrilled me to the bone
Then I thought that sweet jamaica
Should have a cha cha for its own

Well here it is
Cha cha cha
This is calypso cha cha cha
Down here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

Ma and Pa
They like to do the cha cha cha
Yes here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

I really love the mambo
And certain type of blues
I'm crazy bout the tango
But the cha cha blew me fuse

One thing about the cha cha
It makes you feel to dance
And once you start old brother
You're heading for romance

Cha cha cha
This is calypso cha cha cha
Down here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

Ma and Pa
They like to do the cha cha cha
Yes here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

Take time and dance the cha cha
The real calypso way
Just dance a little closer
And whisper while you're near

You might not like it really
For it's just a simple tune
But any night you're lonely
You can sing it to the moon

Cha cha cha
This is calypso cha cha cha
Down here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

Ma and Pa
They like to do the cha cha cha
Yes here in jamaica
It is Calypso Cha cha
Cha Cha Cha

Cha cha cha

Overall Meaning

The song "Calypso Cha Cha Cha" by Count Lasher is a celebration of the cha cha and its unique identity in Jamaica. The lyrics express the thrill that the cha cha brought to the artist upon first hearing it, and his belief that Jamaica needed its own cha cha. The song encourages people to dance the cha cha, describing it as a dance that makes one feel romantic and free. The artist declares his love for other dances such as the mambo, blues, and tango, but the cha cha is the one that "blew his fuse". He encourages people to dance the cha cha in the calypso way, and to whisper romantic words while dancing.

The song's message is simple yet powerful, representing the joy that dancing can bring to people's lives. The cha cha is portrayed as a dance that brings people together, creating romance and happiness. Although the lyrics may seem simple, they are effective in communicating the song's message and drawing the listener in to dance along. The catchy cha cha cha rhythm of the song only adds to its potential as a dance floor hit.

Line by Line Meaning

When first I heard the cha cha
The first time I listened to the cha cha music, it filled me with excitement and enthusiasm.

It thrilled me to the bone
The music was so captivating that it stirred my emotions and made me feel elated.

Then I thought that sweet Jamaica
I realized that beautiful Jamaica needed its version of the cha cha music to add to its unique cultural identity.

Should have a cha cha for its own
To address the previous thought, it was necessary to create a distinct cha cha style that represents the vibe and energy of Jamaica.

Well here it is
The idea has been transformed into reality, here is the Calypso Cha Cha Cha, a true Jamaican creation.

Ma and Pa
Refers to the elderly generation, usually grandparents, who enjoy dancing and socializing.

They like to do the cha cha cha
The elderly folks appreciate and enjoy the cha cha cha dance style.

I really love the mambo
Personally, I enjoy the Mambo dance style, as it is catchy and has a groovy beat.

And certain type of blues
Apart from the Mambo, I find comfort in listening to specific blues genres, which resonate with my emotions.

I'm crazy 'bout the tango
The Tango dance style is my favorite, as it is a passionate and fiery dance with a lot of bold moves.

But the cha cha blew me fuse
Yet, Cha Cha Cha style surpasses others, as it has the power to launch me into a frenzy of joy and excitement.

One thing about the cha cha
Something unique about this style is that it has the ability to make people dance instantly.

It makes you feel to dance
The rhythm and melody of cha cha cha music have a way of causing instant excitement that makes people move to the groove.

And once you start, old brother
As soon as you commence dancing to the cha cha cha, you get caught in the web of the music and rhythm.

You're heading for romance
This dance style is known to be associated with romance and intimacy.

Take time and dance the cha cha
It is advisable to take your time, immerse yourself and enjoy the cha cha cha dance style progressively.

The real calypso way
This cha cha cha style is peculiar to Jamaican Calypso flavor and sound.

Just dance a little closer
While dancing to the cha cha cha style, it is a plus when you dance with your dancing partner a little closer than normal.

And whisper while you're near
At close range while dancing, it is possible and advisable to whisper to your partner and make the intimacy even more memorable and enjoyable.

You might not like it really
This style may appeal to some while others may find it too simplistic or repetitive.

For it's just a simple tune
Despite its simplicity, the Calypso Cha Cha Cha style remains unique, original, and a distinct Jamaican cultural export.

But any night you're lonely
Even though it might not be everyone's cup of tea, when lonely at night, this song style is sure to be a go-to choice for some.

You can sing it to the moon
When alone and bored, one may sing and hum along to the Calypso Cha Cha Cha tune to keep them company.

Cha cha cha
Repetition of the song title as a chorus for emphasis.

This is Calypso Cha Cha Cha
Linking back to the initial idea, this is a unique Jamaican version of the cha cha cha dance and sound.

Down here in Jamaica
Emphasizing the origin of this dance style as being from Jamaica.

It is Calypso Cha Cha
Reiteration of the previous statement that this cha cha cha style is a unique Jamaican creation.

Lyrics © CALDERWOOD, INC.
Written by: PARKINS, TERENCE ALEXANDER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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