These Are The Times
Harry Belafonte · 101: Shake Shake Senora [2012]
And the scarlet moon starts its gentle rise
The drowsy whale spouts a misty trail
And the stars gather slowly in the skies
These are the times when I know
How alone one can be
And I yearn to go once again
Back to my girl down in Port of Spain
On some distant shore as I walk the sand
And watch the lovers meet
They stand in the moonlight hand in hand
With the surf breaking over their feet
These are the times when I know
How alone one can be
And I yearn to go once again
Back to my girl down in Port of Spain
In Mandalay at a gay cafe
In the wee little hours of morn
When guitars and violins end their play
With a hymn to the goddess of dawn
These are the times when I know
How alone one can be
And I yearn to go once again
Back to my girl down in Port of Spain
These Are The Times
Harry Belafonte remains a defining figure in popular music, celebrated for bringing Caribbean rhythms and folk traditions to a global audience. His extensive discography showcases a mastery of calypso, spirituals, and social commentary that resonated across generations. This recording appears on the 2012 compilation 101: Shake Shake Senora, which gathers significant tracks from his vast catalogue. The song reflects Belafonte's signature ability to blend rhythmic vitality with heartfelt storytelling, a hallmark of his performances throughout the mid-to-late twentieth century. As a cultural ambassador, his work continues to influence artists across various genres, maintaining a legacy built on vocal clarity and dynamic stage presence. This track stands as another example of his enduring contribution to the world of recorded music.