"Mary Ann," composed by calypsonianRoaring Lion, was popular with steelbands and revelers during a spontaneous Carnival celebration on V-J Day in Trinidad in 1945, at the end of World War II. The song's lyrics alluded to Mary Ann's occupation:
Recordings
Latin bandleader Xavier Cugat recorded a version of "Mary Ann" in the late 1940s. During the 1956-57 American calypso craze, the Easy Riders, Burl Ives and other interpreters of folk music further popularized the calypso, generally under the title of "Marianne". Harry Belafonte recorded the song on at least three albums. The song continued to be a favorite with steel bands and calypso entertainers at Caribbean tourist hotels for many years. The most popular version was recorded by Terry Gilkyson and The Easy Riders ; another version was recorded by The Hilltoppers in 1957. Trini Lopez included "Marianne" on his album Trini Lopez at PJ's on Reprise Records RS-6093 as part of a medley with "Gotta Travel On", "Down by the Riverside", "When the Saints Go Marching In", and "Volare". Louis Farrakhan using the stage name "The Charmer," recorded "Marianne."
Lyrics
Marianne, oh, Marianne, oh, won't you marry me? We can have a bamboo hut and brandy in the tea Leave your fat old mamma home, she never will say yes If mama don't know now, she can guess My, my, yes All day, all night, Marianne Down by the sea side siftin' sand Even little children love Marianne Down by the seaside siftin' sand When she walks along the shore, people pause to greet White birds fly around her; little fish come to her feet In her heart is love but I'm the only mortal man Who's allowed to kiss my Marianne Don't rush me All day, all night, Marianne Down by the sea side siftin' sand Even little children love Marianne Down by the seaside siftin' sand When we marry we will have a time you never saw I will be so happy I will kiss my mother inlaw Children by the dozen in and out the bamboo hut One for every palm tree and coconut Hurry up now All day, all night, Marianne Down by the sea side siftin' sand Even little children love Marianne Down by the seaside siftin' sand
