In 1994, John Folkes and Buster were involved in a legal dispute over the authorship of the song, after a cover version by Shaggy became an international hit. It was eventually ruled that Folkes held the copyright.
Carolina
Folkes Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Carolina come bubble 'pon me
Oh watch how she groove
Carolina come wine 'pon me
Oh watch how di gal groove
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina is a girl
She dey pon top a di world
An now she rock her body
Anna move just like a squirrel
I say young baby girl
I said I love how yuh move
Yuh just a rock to di riddim anna riddim anna move
An now yuh know di girl
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, one two three)
Carolina come bubble 'pon me
Oh watch how she groove
Carolina come wine 'pon me
Oh watch how di gal groove
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Well how me love how she shock
Watch how she rock
Model it a swing like mi grandfather clock
Gal, move yuh body make man dem drop
Bumper jus' a move it jus' a cause roadblock
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Yes, Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Carolina, Carolina, Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
All di Brooklyn gal dem dem know fi jump an rock
(I say) Di Flatbush Gal dem
Know how fi get up and rock (Get up an rock)
The Folkes Brothers' song "Carolina" is a simple and upbeat tune about a girl named Carolina who knows how to dance. The song invites Carolina to come and dance with the singer as he marvels at her impressive moves. The lyrics are playful and light, with the repetition of "prowl off, jump an prance" inviting the listener to join in on the fun.
The song has a classic reggae sound with a steady beat, horns, and guitar. The rhythm is infectious, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to, making it a popular tune for dance parties. The song's popularity has endured over time, and it remains a beloved classic in the reggae genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Invitation to dance with enthusiasm
Oh Carolina gal prowl off
The girl Carolina is moving away
Gal yuh fi jump an prance (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Another invitation to dance with enthusiasm
Carolina come bubble 'pon me
Carolina is dancing close to the artist
Oh watch how she groove
Appreciation for Carolina's dance moves
Carolina come wine 'pon me
Carolina is dancing and grinding against the singer
Oh Carolina is a girl
Introduction of Carolina as a female
She dey pon top a di world
Carolina is on top of her game
An now she rock her body
Carolina is dancing and enjoying herself
Anna move just like a squirrel
Carolina's dance moves are fast and agile
I say young baby girl
Addressing Carolina affectionately
I said I love how yuh move
Expressing admiration for Carolina's dancing
Yuh just a rock to di riddim anna riddim anna move
Carolina is moving to the rhythm of the music
An now yuh know di girl
The singer has become more familiar with Carolina
Well how me love how she shock
Expressing excitement for Carolina's dance moves
Watch how she rock
Continued admiration for Carolina's dancing
Model it a swing like mi grandfather clock
Carolina's dance is reminiscent of a swinging clock
Gal, move yuh body make man dem drop
Encouraging Carolina to keep dancing and attracting attention from men
Bumper jus' a move it jus' a cause roadblock
Carolina's dancing is so good that it's causing a scene
Yes, Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Reaffirmation of the invitation to dance with enthusiasm
Carolina, Carolina, Oh Carolina (Prowl off, jump an prance)
Addressing Carolina and inviting her to dance again
All di Brooklyn gal dem dem know fi jump an rock
Brooklyn girls know how to dance with enthusiasm
(I say) Di Flatbush Gal dem
Specifically mentioning girls from the Flatbush neighborhood
Know how fi get up and rock (Get up an rock)
Flatbush girls know how to dance and have a good time
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Henry Mancini, John Folkes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Williams
The drum arrangements and timing is awesome. This is a classic that has a cult following which multiplies every decade since 1960.
Music, Jamaica's magnificent gift to the world!
johnny b
Some say it was the first truly ska recording, as the drum rhythm comes from Nyabinghi drumming and doesn't imitate R&B.
The Foul Quince
@johnny b Prince Buster! Jamaica's magnificent gift to the world. Johnny B you're quite right, but the really interesting thing, I think, is that this is an East African musical influence, not West African as you see in R&B
johnny b
@The Foul Quince Quite possibly, as Nyabinghi was originally the name of a semi-mythical East African woman who may have lived in the mid to late 18th century. Her spirit was said to have possessed later African leaders and inspired them to rebel against colonial rule. Rastafarians in Jamaica took some of their inspiration from this.
Alvin Weaver
Music and Ganja what Jamaica is known for
The Foul Quince
@Alvin Weaver A simplistic and rather stupid analysis. Tell us what you know about Jamaican music, then.
Dwight Blubaugh
I'm amazed to learn this song is so old, after having only heard Shaggy's 1993 version! Written 1958, recorded 1960, these guys knew how to rock.
McGuirkster
Just met one of the folkes brothers today in my city in Canada at my record shop. Cool guy amazing stories
Jamie Ryan Downey
Just curious, what city?
dave Drolett
Great to hear this old Island song again after about 55 years