Banua
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know, again
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know
Won't you come to me, baby?
Won't you bring me my bail?
For a drink and a fight on a Saturday night
They put down in the Banua jail
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh, oh, oh, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know, once again
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know
I didn't mean to be fightin'
And bringin' you all of this shame
But the tongue of Jonathan Brighton
Was scandalizin' your name
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know
This Banua jail is cold and damp
The rats, they cover the floor
Just ten and three will set me free
And I'll be yours forever more, soft
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh, oh, oh, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know, once again
Banua, Banua, Banua, oh
Banua, Banua, baby, I don't know
Banua
Banua - The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio's 1960 recording of 'Banua' stands as a pivotal moment in American folk history, marking the group's transition from traditional Appalachian ballads to the broader world music and Caribbean genres that would define their later career. Originally a Jamaican folk song, the track was introduced to an international audience through the trio's signature acoustic arrangement, blending harmonies and instrumentation with the song's rhythmic pulse. This recording helped popularize the 'folk revival' style by incorporating elements of reggae and calypso into the mainstream folk canon. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to bridge cultural divides, showcasing the Kingston Trio's commitment to presenting authentic global sounds alongside their signature American folk aesthetic. It remains a staple of their discography, illustrating their role as pioneers in cross-cultural musical exchange during the early 1960s.