Water Boy - Odetta
Harry Belafonte · Other Songs - Harry Belafonte
Where are you hiding?
If you don't come right here
Gonna tell your pa on you
There ain't no hammer
On this mountain
That ring like mine, boy
That ring like mine
I'm gonna whoop this rock, boy
From here to the Macon
All the way to the jail, boy
All the way to the jail
You jack 'o diamond
Jack 'o diamond
Know you're
I know you are of old
You don't rob my pockets
Rob my pockets
Silver and gold, boy
Of silver and gold
Water boy
Where are you hiding?
If you don't come right here
Gonna tell your pa on you
There ain't no hammer
On this mountain
That ring like mine, boy
Ring like mine
Bust this rock, boy
From here to the Macon
All the way to the jail, boy
All the way to the jail
Water boy
Where are you hiding?
If you don't come right here
Gonna tell your pa on you
Water Boy - Odetta
Harry Belafonte's 1956 recording of 'Water Boy' stands as a pivotal moment in American folk music, blending his signature calypso style with the spiritual and social consciousness of the era. While often associated with Caribbean rhythms, this track reflects Belafonte's broader commitment to telling stories of the American South and the African diaspora. The song's haunting melody and Belafonte's distinctive vocal delivery capture a sense of longing and resilience that resonated deeply with audiences during the mid-20th century. It exemplifies his role in popularizing folk traditions while addressing themes of identity and heritage, cementing his legacy as a cultural ambassador who bridged musical genres and social movements.