Moore was born in Port-of-Spain in Trinidad. According to AllMusic: "After attracting attention with his soulful singing in Trinidad and Tobago, Lord Beginner was sent by expatriate Portuguese businessman Edward Sa Gomes to New York City, along with Attila The Hun and Growling Tiger, to record for the Port-Of-Spain label in May 1934." These recordings by Moore with other leading members of Trinidad's "Old Brigade" of calypsonians helped to spark a renaissance of the calypso genre in the 1940s and '50s, and introduce the music to the world.
In July 1948 Lord Beginner emigrated to England with fellow calypsonians Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) and Lord Woodbine (Harold Philips) in 1948. They arrived near London on the Empire Windrush, the first of many voyages conveying West Indians wishing to start a new life in Britain. Beginner began playing clubs throughout London and was a success, recording for the Parlophone label in 1950.
Lord Beginner signed a recording contract with Parlophone in 1950. Two of his more well known calypsos were "Victory Test Match" (including the lyrics "Cricket, lovely cricket, at Lord's where I saw it") and "General Election". The first was reputedly devised on the spot following the West Indies cricket team's victory against England at Lord's in 1950, inspiring Beginner and Lord Kitchener to begin a musical march from the ground to Piccadilly followed by dancing spectators. "General Election" was inspired by Clement Attlee's victory in the 1950 British general election.
Jamaica Hurricane
Lord Beginner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh what sorrows and pain in Jamaica with the hurricane
The winds was so terrific as you know
A hundred miles an hour was an awful blow
A sad calamity, so awful sympathy, to friends and their family
While houses was falling, ay ay
And people was bawling, oy oy
The winds was lashing so hard that Saturday
People was notice may
Though the soldier house is all crumbling furniture stumbling
Thousands of people was take the mice
Kingston the city was far alice?
A real catastrophe, it was in history
So offer your sympathy
While houses was falling, ay ay
And people was bawling, oh lord
Convicts didn't fail, to run away from Kingston jail
At Moraine bay they will always remember, this great disaster
It was like a year at mount royal, it was pretty calm
House tops were blown off everywhere, casualties both there and there
It was a heavy blow,
and then they got to know that it was heading for Mexico
While houses was falling, ay ay
And people was bawling, oh lord
Convicts didn't fail, to run away from Kingston jail
Thousands are homeless now in Jamaica, we must consider
Money came in from every direction to help the situation
Council Macintosh put for what he have
and reverend Dell with his relief fund
A sad calamity, it was in history, so keep it in memory
What you say
While houses was falling, ay ay
And people was bawling, oh lord
Convicts didn't fail, to run away from Kingston jail
The lyrics to Lord Beginner's song "Jamaica Hurricane" are a reflection of the destruction and devastation brought upon Jamaica by a hurricane. The song speaks of the sorrows and pain felt by the people of Jamaica due to the hurricane's winds, which were so powerful they caused houses to fall and people to cry out in agony. The lyrics also reference the convicts who took the opportunity to run away from the Kingston jail during the chaos.
The song details how the hurricane was a real catastrophe in history and thousands of people were left homeless. Despite the destruction, the community banded together and money came from every direction to help alleviate the crisis. The lyrics implore listeners to offer their sympathy and to remember the tragedy that occurred.
Interestingly, the song also makes reference to the fact that the hurricane was headed for Mexico, indicating that it was part of a larger weather system affecting the region. Additionally, the references to specific individuals such as Council Macintosh and Reverend Dell suggest that there were concerted relief efforts underway to help those affected by the hurricane.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh what sorrows and pain in Jamaica with the hurricane
The hurricane caused great suffering and pain in Jamaica.
The winds was so terrific as you know
The winds were extremely strong and powerful.
A hundred miles an hour was an awful blow
The winds were blowing at a speed of one hundred miles an hour, causing significant damage.
A sad calamity, so awful sympathy, to friends and their family
The hurricane was a terrible disaster, causing much sorrow and sympathy to families and friends affected by it.
While houses was falling, ay ay
Houses were collapsing due to the strong winds.
And people was bawling, oy oy
People were crying out in pain and distress.
Convicts didn't fail, to run away from Kingston jail
Even prisoners took the opportunity to escape from Kingston jail during this disaster.
The winds was lashing so hard that Saturday
The winds were so strong on a Saturday, causing much destruction and damage.
People was notice may
People were alarmed and concerned by the hurricane.
Though the soldier house is all crumbling furniture stumbling
Even the homes of soldiers were falling apart, as though the furniture was tumbling down.
Thousands of people was take the mice
Thousands of people were left homeless by the hurricane.
Kingston the city was far alice?
The city of Kingston was greatly impacted by the hurricane.
A real catastrophe, it was in history
This hurricane was a true catastrophe and will be remembered in history.
So offer your sympathy
It is important to offer your sympathy and support to those affected by the hurricane.
At Moraine bay they will always remember, this great disaster
Those who live in Moraine Bay will never forget this terrible disaster.
It was like a year at mount royal, it was pretty calm
Compared to the hurricane, a year at Mount Royal was peaceful and calm.
House tops were blown off everywhere, casualties both there and there
Widespread damage occurred, with houses losing their roofs and many casualties as a result.
It was a heavy blow, and then they got to know that it was heading for Mexico
The hurricane was a major disaster and it was later discovered that it was also heading towards Mexico.
Thousands are homeless now in Jamaica, we must consider
Thousands of people are still homeless due to the hurricane, and we must take this into consideration.
Money came in from every direction to help the situation
Many people donated money from different places to help those affected by the hurricane.
Council Macintosh put for what he have
Council Macintosh contributed what he could to help the situation.
And reverend Dell with his relief fund
Reverend Dell also had a relief fund to help those in need.
A sad calamity, it was in history, so keep it in memory
The hurricane was a very sad disaster and must be remembered in history.
What you say
This is a call for attention and reflection on the devastation caused by the hurricane.
Contributed by Eva E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@petes3305
What? Only three 'likes'. This is a fabulous song for all kinds of reasons. I first came across it some years back when Bob Dylan played it on one of his Theme Time Radio Show episodes. So pleased to find it here. Thanks Mr Kleeg You're a star. :-)
@kurtmaxclassicrockvideosra2806
That's where I found the song too. It reminds me of Bonzo Dog Band.
@NikolaiOfTheShire
Just heard this on local radio in Sheffield, had to look it up. Thought it would be quicker than it was to find
@ozancetinkaya3665
I somehow came upon this song while searching the Port Royal 1692 hurricane which caused the city to largely go underwater. I'm glad I did :)