Medley
Lord Fly Lyrics


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Big big sambo gal
And she can't do a thing
Big big sambo gal
And she can't do a thing




Overall Meaning

The song "Big Big Sambo Gal" is a simple yet controversial Jamaican calypso tune originally recorded by Lord Fly and Dan Williams. The lyrics describe a large, heavyset woman who is deemed helpless and incapable of doing anything. The repetition of the phrase "And she can't do a thing" suggests that the woman's size is her defining characteristic and that she cannot perform even the most basic tasks. Critics argue that the song perpetuates negative stereotypes about obesity and reinforces the idea that larger people are lazy and lacking in self-control.


Moreover, the term "sambo" used in the song is considered offensive and derogatory, historically used to refer to a stereotype of a smiling, docile, and subservient Black person, commonly portrayed in minstrel shows. The offensive terminology and negative portrayal of the woman's size make this song a bleak parody of women, both fat-shaming and racist.


Line by Line Meaning

Big big sambo gal
A large, dark-skinned woman


And she can't do a thing
She is unable or unwilling to do anything productive or useful


Big big sambo gal
A repetition of the initial statement emphasizing the size and complexion of the woman


And she can't do a thing
Repeating the previous line, reaffirming the woman's lack of ability or motivation to be productive




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: UNIDENTIFIED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@London_miss234

Thanks for this!

@TheRealDJGIBS

Yes, this is my shellac... the first Jamaican record! I also have #2 (SSS.2031 & 2032) which are lower matrix no. than #1 (SSS.2033 & 2034). Considering #3 is SSS.2080 & 2081, I assume #1 & 2 were both recorded in the same studio session and sent together to England for pressing. Decca definitely did many of them... I think whoever cut Melodisc and Lyragon did these. What I don't know is if Stanley put both #1 & #2 in the store at the same time or if he waited a bit before the 2nd release???

@brunorenato180193

que sonzeira maneira

@bluekillaofficial

Nuff Respect! As far as I know this was credited as the first record ever pressed in the island of jamaica. Do you own the shellac?

@tyroneosborne2091

Funny, but this singe Lord Fly, was teh father of my wife's best friend , the late Angella Lyons .

@PEEDUBBAYOU

Bertie Lyons lived up the road from us. My father was the local Doctor. Lord Fly met his sudden end on our porch having made his way there seeking assistance.

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