Calypso Blues
Oscar Peterson · Other Songs - Oscar Peterson
Wa-oo wa-oo wa-oo wa-ay
Wa-oo-oo, wa-oo-oo,
Wa-oo wa-oo wa-oo wa-ay
Sittin' by de ocean
Me heart, she feel so sad,
Sittin' by de ocean,
Me heart, she feel so sad...
Don't got de money
To take me back to Trinidad.
Fine calypso woman,
She cook me shrimp and rice,
Fine calypso woman,
She cook me shrimp and rice
Dese yankee hot dogs
Don't treat me stomach very nice.
In Trinidad, one dollar buy
Papaya juice, banana pie,
Six coconut, one female goat,
An' plenty fish to fill de boat.
One bushel bread, one barrel wine,
An' all de town, she come to dine.
But here is bad, one dollar buy
Cup of coffee, ham on rye.
Me throat she sick from necktie,
Me feet hurt from shoes.
Me pocket full of empty,
I got Calypso blues.
Dese yankee girl give me big scare,
Is black de root, is blonde de hair.
Her eyelash false, her face is paint,
And pads are where de girl she ain't
She jitterbug when she should waltz,
I even think her name is false.
But calypso girl is good a lot,
Is what you see, is what she got.
Sittin' by de ocean
Me heart, she feel so sad,
Sittin' by de ocean,
Me heart, she feel so sad
Don't got de money
To take me back to Trinidad.
Wa-oo-oo, wa-oo-oo,
Wa-oo wa-oo wa-oo wa-ay
Wa-oo-oo, wa-oo-oo,
Wa-oo wa-oo wa-oo wa-ay
Calypso Blues by Oscar Peterson
Oscar Peterson's 'Calypso Blues' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over the electric piano, blending jazz improvisation with rhythmic precision. Recorded during a period where Peterson was redefining the role of the soloist, the track showcases his ability to navigate complex harmonic structures while maintaining a fluid, melodic approach. The composition reflects the broader calypso genre's influence on American jazz, yet Peterson's interpretation elevates the material through his distinctive virtuosic technique. As a solo performance, the recording highlights his capacity to drive a piece forward with relentless energy, making it a favorite among fans of hard bop and fusion. The track remains a testament to his status as one of the most celebrated electric pianists of the mid-20th century.