Jean and Dinah
"Jean and Dinah" (When The Yankees Gon) is a calypso from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean sung by calypsonian Mighty Sparrow that became an international hit in 1956. It was also his first of eight roadmarches. This calypso, Sparrow's first hit, commented on the large-scale prostitution that the bases once supported and the desperation of these prostitutes following the closure of many American military bases in Trinidad in the post-war period.[1]
- Jean and Dinah, Rosita and Clementina
- Round de corner posin'
- Bet your life is something dey sellin'
- But when you catch them broken [="broke"] you could get dem all for nuttin'
- Doh make a row
- De Yankee gone, and Sparrow take over now!
American movie star Robert Mitchum also recorded the song and released it on his 1957 hit album Calypso… is like so.
Early development
Urban myth has it that the lyrics and music were composed in a Trinidad jail, by 'Sparrow' and a fellow inmate. The agreement between them was that whoever was released first, would capitalise on the song. 'Sparrow' was released first.
References
- ^ Kevin K. Birth (2008). Bacchanalian sentiments: musical experiences and political counterpoints in Trinidad. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-4165-9.
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