Marianne
Harry Belafonte · Other Songs - Harry Belafonte
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
About Marianne
Harry Belafonte's "Marianne" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over Caribbean rhythms and English-language balladry. Recorded during the height of his career as a cultural ambassador, the track exemplifies the calypso and soca influences that defined his body of work. The song features Belafonte's signature vocal delivery, characterized by a warm, resonant tone that blends seamlessly with the infectious, syncopated percussion typical of his era. As a staple of his discography, "Marianne" captures the festive spirit of the Caribbean while maintaining the emotional depth found in his more introspective recordings. It remains a beloved track within his catalog, often performed alongside other classics like "Jamaica Farewell" and "Kingston Town," showcasing his ability to translate regional sounds into universal musical experiences for audiences worldwide.