History
The group was formed in Kingston in the mid-1960s by singer George "Clive" Murphy who formed a duo with Maurice "Professor" Johnson. They called themselves the Tennor Twins. They auditioned a song called "Pressure and Slide" in 1967 while sitting in the back of a taxicab for arranger Jackie Mittoo of Studio One. Murphy and Johnson were then joined by Norman Davis, and the trio recorded the song backed by Mittoo. The single was the best selling of the year, but, according to Murphy, the group never received any royalties for the track.
Rather than continue to deal with Studio One record producer Coxsone Dodd, the Tennors formed their own label and grew its own stable of artists. The accidental death of Johnson reduced the trio back to a duo, and Murphy and Davis continued as songwriters. They offered their song, "Ride Yu Donkey", to many artists, but ended up recording it themselves after it was turned down. The song was released in 1968 and was a huge hit.
Other songs by the Tennors included "Cleopatra", "Grandpa", Massi Massa", "Girl You Hold Me" and "Rub Me Khaki", "Sufferer", "Sign of the Times", "Biff Baff" (aka "Traitor"), "Bow Legged Girl", "Little Things", "Cherry" and "Oh My Baby".
The group became a trio again with the addition of Ronnie Davis in 1968. Other singers who were in the Tennors included Nehemiah Davis, George Dekker, Howard Spencer, and Hilton Wilson. The trio backed singer Jackie Bernard on "Another Scorcher", and moved towards reggae with the song "Reggae Girl".
In 1970, The Tennors worked with Treasure Isle producer Duke Reid on the song "Hopeful Village". Under Sonia Pottinger, they recorded "Gee Whiz" and "Give Me Bread". The band worked again with Reid in 1973 on "Weather Report", adapted from "The Only Living Boy In New York" by Simon and Garfunkel. It was a hit and won the group the Best Performer title at that year's Jamaican Independence Song Festival.
After that, the group folded. Murphy emigrated to the United States and started a solo career under the name Clive Tennors. He released a solo album, Ride Yu Donkey, in 1991.
Ride the Donkey
The Tennors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My daddy bought a fiddle for me
And the only tune that I could play
Yes, the only tune that I could play was
Ride your donkey, nothing for me
Gallop you donkey in a major key
Daddy knowed that I was smart
And the only tune that I could play
Yes, the only tune that I could play was
Ride your donkey, nothing for me
Gallop you donkey in a major key
Ride your donkey
The Tennors' song Ride Your Donkey is a playful and lighthearted tune that speaks to the joy of childhood and the simple pleasures that come with it. The opening lines of the song paint a nostalgic picture of the singer's youth, when their father bought them a fiddle and the only tune they knew how to play was Ride Your Donkey. The song takes on a childlike tone, with playful lyrics that encourage the listener to gallop their donkey to the beat of the music.
The chorus, which repeats the same two lines, adds to the whimsy of the song. The lyrics "Nothing for me, gallop your donkey in a major key" seem to be encouraging the listener to let go of their worries and simply enjoy the moment. The song's melody is upbeat and catchy, further emphasizing the playful nature of the lyrics.
Overall, The Tennors' Ride Your Donkey is a fun and carefree song that celebrates the simple joys of life. Through its playful lyrics and catchy melody, it encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves, whether that means riding a donkey or simply living life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was but a little laddie
When I was a young boy
My daddy bought a fiddle for me
My father purchased a violin for me
And the only tune that I could play
And the only song I knew how to perform
Yes, the only tune that I could play was
Indeed, the only song I knew how to perform was
Ride your donkey, nothing for me
Ride your donkey, I have no worries
Gallop you donkey in a major key
Move quickly on your donkey in a happy musical mode
Deep within his heart
Deep inside himself
Daddy knowed that I was smart
My father knew that I was intelligent
And the only tune that I could play
And the only song I knew how to perform
Yes, the only tune that I could play was
Indeed, the only song I knew how to perform was
Ride your donkey, nothing for me
Ride your donkey, I have no worries
Gallop you donkey in a major key
Move quickly on your donkey in a happy musical mode
Ride your donkey
Ride your donkey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERT GEORGE MURPHY, NORMAN ANTHONY DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@diegofelipeferreiramorato3558
When I was but a little laddie,
My daddy bought a fiddle for me
And the only tune that I could play, yes sir,
The only tune that I could play was
Ride your donkey
None such for me
Gallop your donkey
Was my major key
Because deep within his heart,
Daddy knew I was smart
'Cause the only tune that I could play, yes sir,
The only tune that I could play was
Ride your donkey
None such for me
Gallop your donkey
Was my major key
@10DES49
Love this song. Such a snappy tune.
@adamnash412
I with my friend use to be on a mango tree singing this song. Twas a popular song here on the interior part of Guyana. We would ride donkeys in the savannahs here in those days. With forest covered mountains around.Twas good times.
@adamnash412
@Drani Condon Yea a lot of donkeys in the interior here. Nice of you responding.
@haldenbennett9851
Real vintage music, reggae style 👌
@56postoffice
Huge hit in 1968. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
@vikkismith7497
I know I'm going to be hearing this song all around town now .
@vikkismith7497
I have forgotten about this song, and out of the blue it just came back to my memory 😅
@joshuaedwards4536
Oh my goodness, im still laughing after all these year's, everytime i hear this tune, one love and blessings to all.....🇯🇲🇯🇲
@roseefua2366
Greaaaaaat childhood memories! Babycham in hand and Rocking!!
@jamespicardo7598
I mean this is amazing.