Edited by Azizi Powell
Let me first state as a matter of fact that the title and chorus of Vanilla Ice's 1989/1990 hit Rap song "Ice Ice Baby" originated from the signature chant of the historically Black Greek lettered fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated (A Phi A; Alphas). Here's a quote with source citations from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Ice_Baby
"Robert Van Winkle, better known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, wrote "Ice Ice Baby" at the age of 16, bas[ed] its lyrics upon his experiences in South Florida.[1] The lyrics describe a drive-by shooting and Van Winkle's rhyming skills.[2] The chorus of "Ice Ice Baby" originates from the signature chant of the national African American fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha.[3][4]
3. Keyes, Cheryl L (2004). "Blending and Shaping Styles: Rap and Other Musical Voices". Rap Music and Street Consciousness. University of Illinois Press. p. 107. ISBN 0252072014.
4.Fine, Elizabeth Calvert (2003). "The Cultural Politics of Step Shows". Soulstepping: African American Step Shows. University of Illinois Press. p. 145. ISBN 0252024753."
-snip-
Also, Spike Lee's 1988 movie SchoolDaze includes a scene in which Alphas from Morehouse University step while chanting "Ice Ice Baby". Vanilla Ice's :Ice Ice Baby" song wasn't released until 1989.
Instead of repeating the basic fact that the "Ice Ice baby" song title is lifted from the Alpha Phi Alpha signature chant and motif, this post provides examples of Alpha Phi Alpha's use of the "ice ice baby", "ice", and "ice cold" motif. In addition, I present two statements from Alphas and my speculation about the sources of that "ice cold" motif, and what they mean.
The content of this post is presented for folklore, cultural, and aesthetic purposes
Thank to all those who are affiliated with this fraternity. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
DISCLAIMER: The statements I make about Alpha Phi Alpha's use of the "ice cold" motif are in no way official. I'm am not affiliated in any way with that fraternity, except as a long inactive member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a sorority which is unofficially considered by many persons involved with historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations to be the Alphas' sister organization.
****
RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/origin-of-brrr-its-cold-in-here-cheer.html
"The Origin Of The "Brrr It's Cold In Here" Cheer"
****
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" MOTIF
These opinions about the sources for this motif are presented in no particular order. The numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
1. I received an email on October 8, 2012 from [Alpha Phi Alpha member] Charles K. that indicated that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s "Ice Ice, baby" has its origin in the poem "Excelsior" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Charles K. quoted the first verse of that poem. Here's that portion of that poem as it was sent to me at http://www.cocojams.com/content/fraternity-and-sorority-chants:
"Excelsior! (poem)
"ICE, ICE, BABY..." | "Ever Higher", "Onward and Upward"
The shades of night were falling fast,
As through an Alpine village passed
A youth, who bore,
'mid snow and ice
A banner with the strange device, Excelsior!"...
-snip-
According to ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excelsior_(Longfellow) "The poem [Excelsior"] describes a young man passing through a town bearing the banner "Excelsior" (translated from Latin as "ever higher", also loosely but more widely as "onward and upward"), ignoring all warnings, climbing higher until inevitably, "lifeless, but beautiful" he is found by the "faithful hound" half-buried in the snow, "still clasping in his hands of ice that banner with the strange device, Excelsior!"
****
2. On July 27, 2014 I received an email from from Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., author of the book The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. In a portion of that email, he wrote "You asked if the "Ice Ice Baby" predated 1989 ... and it most certainly did. Way before. It comes from our founder Vertner Woodson Tandy talking about Alphas needing to fight, and even if hell freezes over, "We'll fight on the ice." And from there, you get the evolution to Ice Ice Baby."
-snip-
Again, the "ice" refers to the value of being coldly determined and steadfast, refusing to be deterred from one's goal (of becoming an Alpha, and by extension, other worthy life goals.
By the way, Lawrence C. Ross's book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of historically Black Greek letter[ed] fraternities and sororities.
****
3. The positive cultural meanings of being "ice cold" and of being "cool" may be considered as sources for the motif's use by Alphas. Read more about those cultural meanings in the next section.
4. The reference to "ice cold" might have been influenced by -if not created because- the first "line" (group) of Alphas occurred on a cold December day. Here's the comment that prompted me to think about that possibility:
MissLG Taylor,* 2011
"The first Alphas probate was held on the ice cold day of December 4, 1906.. it was so cold they shook.. so they shook to show homage to them :)"
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqffhURTQEc
*That commenter also wrote "My dad is an Alpha and I find BLGO interesting". [BGLO = Black Greek letter[ed] organizations, meaning "historically Black fraternities and sororities that use three letters of the Greek alphabet".
****
SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE MEANING OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" MOTIF
Here's the second meaning of the English idiom "being cold as ice" as given in http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ice-cold
"ice-cold
adjective
2. without warmth of feeling or manner; unemotional; passionless: an ice-cold reception."
-snip-
I think that meaning is the essence of the Alphas' use of "ice" and "ice cold", i.e., being "cold as ice" encapsulates the high value in African American culture of being stoic in the face of difficulties, being "cold blooded" in the positive sense of that word. In African American Vernacular English terms, we say "not letting anything "phase" you"(not letting anything negative bother you).
Men striving to become Alphas place a high value on having the dedication, will, courage, and fortitude it takes to persevere in spite of difficulties, until you reach your goal of becoming an Alpha; an Alpha can not be deterred if difficulties occur.
I believe that the this "ice cold" approach and motif that is promoted by the Alphas is reflected in and closely related to the "it bes that way sometimes" approach to difficulties that is valued among some African Americans, and some other people of African descent. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for a pancocojams series on African American and Caribbean "it bes that way sometime"/"such is life" attitudes and songs.
2. I believe that the positive interpretation of the word "cool" (meaning "hip", and other positive colloquial meanings) may also factor into the Alphas use of the word "ice" and cold", if so I think those are add-ons to the main and earlier meanings of those words.
****
EXAMPLES OF CHANTS
1. WE ARE THE BROTHERS OF A PHI A
We are the brothers of A Phi A
Ice, Ice
We're going to make yo-a-a-ll say
"Ice, Ice"
And when you see the Black and Gold.
Ice, Ice.
you know it's gonna be
a heck of a show (normally helluva but censored for the festival)
Ice, Ice,
We're too cold,
we're too darn (damn) cold.
Ice, Ice".
We are the brothers of the Black and Gold
Ice Ice (twice)
Source: quoted in Elizabeth fine's 2003 book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows, p. 123.
This book is another must read for those interested in BGLOs.
*crack= insult, diss
-snip-
That example was given in this passage about p. 123 as an example of "trade" or "signature steps".
"Trade or signature steps. while based on a traditional core, gain power and appeal through variations that reflect an ability to adapt to the audience and theme of a particular occasion, Thus, Alpha Phi Alpha's well-known trade chant "Ice Ice" (which inspired the white rapper Vanilla Ice's national hit of 1990 "Ice, Ice, Baby") can be used to crack*, or to boast, or for more serious purposes. Alpha Phi Alpha, for example, used "Ice, Ice" to boast during a show at the Dance Heritage Festival at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City in 1991".
-snip-
Elizabeth Fine goes on to quote another example of "Ice Ice" which was used by the Alphas in another venue.
****
2. ICE ICE ICE TOO COLD TOO COLD
I said “Ooh it's cold in here”.
I said “There must be some Alphas in the atmosphere”.
I said “Ooh it's cold in here”.
I said “There must be some Alphas in the atmosphere”
It’s like ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice,
the black and gold
Ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice.
Ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice,
the black and gold.
-transcription from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajhKrRrlpk, Alpha Phi Alpha stepping , video uploaded in 2009 [given as Video Example #1 below]
The "black and gold" refers to that fraternity's colors.
3. WE ARE THE ICE COLD BROTHERS OF A PHI A
We are the
ice cold brothers of-ah A PHI A.
We rock * that black and gold until the day we die.
So when you see us in the street
Expect to be holified.
Ice ice baby,
WHAT!
Too cold too cold.
IT’S LIKE
Begin step routine
Aaaah
ICE!
do another step
Aaaah
ICE!
do another step
Aaaah
ICE!
- transcription from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajhKrRrlpk Alpha Phi Alpha stepping , video uploaded in 2009, given below as Example #2
* I'm unsure of this word
"Holified" is a made up word based on the word "holy". In the context of this chant, it probably means something like "amazed".
-snip-
A third member of that fraternity speaks to the audience and says “We are the ice cold brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity inc. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on an ICE COLD Tuesday of December 4, 1906 at Cornel University,,, [the step team does a head down step move when saying "Ice cold"]
At the completion of the show the step team end with a routine and end by saying “ We are ice cold!”
****
ADDITIONAL TEXT EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF "ICE" OR "ICE COLD" IN REFERENCE TO ALPHAS
Comments from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqffhURTQEc Alpha Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha Morehouse College Fall 2011 Neophyte Show
Morpheus, 2011
"Well done brothers.........very well done. Ice cold salutations....... #4, Fall '06, Mighty RHO, "Morpheus""
-snip-
"Might Rho" is a referent for the Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. That chapter was founded at Morehouse University in 1924. A step team from that chapter is featured in Spike Lee's School Daze movie. That scene from that movie is given as Example #2 below.
**
Alan Ferguson Sr, 2013
"So Proud of my Ice Cold Brothas!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO6!!!"
-snip-
1906 was the year that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded.
****
Comment from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkiw_VDRQGk
kwamkong766 years ago
"Whats so ICEY about this is OUR pledge club, the sphinxmen in the background holding the ICE ICE BABY sign. Spring 1996 right here baby! But yeah, Fall 82, etc...whew... 6-NS-96 (6 as in Sphinxman #6) Sadistic"
-snip-
This comment refers to the brief scene of the Alphas stepping to "Ice Ice Baby" in Spike Lee's 1988 movie School Daze.
-snip-
"Icey" here is a made up word that I believe means "hip", "cool", and other similar superlatives.
****
VIDEO EXAMPLES OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" CHANTS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated posts presented first.
Example #1: Alpha Phi Alpha stepping
sarkazm69Uploaded on Mar 19, 2009
Alpha's from Mu Chi, Gamma Xi and orgs. from Dominguez Hills spoke about college, education and the future to H.S. students.
-snip-
Examples #1 and #2 above are from this video.
****
Example #2: Ice Ice Baby . . . . The Black & Gold
C. Allen Johnson, Published on Jul 3, 2014
Ice Ice Baby . . . . The Black & Gold
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
credit: school daze
-snip-
This same video clip was posted to YouTube in 2008 with the title “Step for real” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkiw_VDRQGk
that was published on YouTube in 2008.
I used the 2014 video instead of the 2008 one because it's visual quality is much better. However, the 2008 video has some comments that are interesting from a historical/cultural perspective.
****
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Visitors' comments are welcome.
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Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Lord Invader -"Sly Mongoose" (information, lyrics, & sound file)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a sound file of and lyrics for Lord Invader's version of "Sly Mongoose". Information about this old Caribbean song and two additional lyric versions of this song are included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thank to the composers of Sly Mongoose. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to those featured in these sound files and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT SLY MONGOOSE
The original "Sly Mongoose was composed in Jamaica, but versions of this song are well-known throughout the Caribbean.
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030629/arts/arts1.html
..."mento's roots lie in the early 19th century when European dances like the quadrille were popular throughout the Caribbean. By the end of the 19th century, mento was all the "rage" in Jamaica, and (like dance hall today) served as "throw wu'd" music, providing an avenue to discuss taboos and social issues.
{Some] mento songs commented on local news, the Bible, politics, infidelity, even obeah, and their subtle innuendo, humouros double entendres and suggestive lyrics helped to protect the innocent from the song's baser meanings.
According to the research, Slim and Sam were two of the best known writers of "throw wu'd" songs in the 1930s and 1940s. "Sly Mongoose" is one of the most popular "scandal" songs, which is still sung today:
Mongoose go down Missa Beckford kitchen,
Tek out one a 'im ritious chicken,
Put 'im inna 'im waiscoat pocket
Run mongoose
Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad.
Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad."
Originally, the lyrics likened the eccentric religious leader, Alexander Bedward, to a cunning mongoose (a dodgy character). But Bedward is absent from later versions sung today, which leaves the object of the song's criticism open to interpretation."...
****
From http://www.dramonline.org/content/notes/nwr/80427.pdf
"Zoop Zoop Zoop: Traditional Music And Folklore of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John" (New World Records 80427-2)
"This song, wellknown throughout the Caribbean is not really about the mongoose. In fact, the animal and its character is used to allude to sexual liaisons between the master of the house and the cook or between the mistress and a worker.
Sly Mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
Oh yes, sly mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
You went into the mistress kitchen
Take out one of the fattest chickens
Put it into your waistcoat pocket
sly mongoose. "
****
[regarding Lord Invaders' version of "Sly Mongoose":
From http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
“...originating in Jamaica where virtually all versions revolve around the activities of the Black prophet Alexander Bedward, “Sly Mongoose [Sly Mongoose Every Dog Knows Your Name] is reported as a carnival song in 1923 in Trinidad. Based on the symbolic references to a trickster with a sexual proclivity, in Eastern Caribbean versions, the mongoose goes into the White man’s kitchen rather than Bedward’s, and steals “one of his fattest chickens”.*
With incredulity, Invader describes his defeat in a calypso contest in the United States. Despite their up-to-date repertoire Houdini vanquishes Destroyer, Growler, and Invader in New York in 1941. Personified as a trickster, Houdini was much despised in Trinidad because of his U. S success and lack of esteem on the island."
-snip-
*Read my interpretation of the line about the Mongoose "going into the White man's kitchen and stealing one of his fattest chickens" regarding the lyrics for Lord Invader's version of this song.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: sly mongoose
roger ramirez Uploaded on Mar 24, 2009
****
LYRICS: SLY MONGOOSE
(Lord Invader, 1946)
There was a competition in America
With Houdini and Destroyer
Houdini sang Adolf Hitler
And yet they said that Houdini was the winner
What he won?
Chorus:
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing the chorus-
Sly Mongoose
-everybody-
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Then he challenge the Growler
And the Growler sand a hot number
Growler told the Houdini
He gonna win him with this melody,
What it was: “Old lady, you’re mashing my toe,”
“Oh lady, stop it isn’t”
And yet he won him with,
Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing it Macbeth-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
So as I’m Lord Invader, I said
“I can’t lose my name in America”,
I entered the competition,
And I sang a hot composition.
What it was: “Prisoner leve [Prisoner arise]
“Mete limier bai [Put a light]
and Yet he won me with
Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-everybody
Only dog know your name
-Duke of Iron-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Source: http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
-snip-
Rather than Lord Invader's "Sly Mongoose" being about a man with sexual proclivities, it is a critique about what Lord Invader and other Calypsonians considered to be Houdini's inauthenticity as a Calypsonian. When Lord Invader referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" he was using lines from that well known Caribbean song to insult Houdini. When he referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" and said that Sly Mongoose "went into the White man’s kitchen/Took up one of his fattest chickens", Lord Invader was saying that Houdini had achieved success in the United States as a Calypsonian that he and other Calypsonians believe that Houdini wouldn't have received in the Caribbean - in particular Houdini- the sly Mangoose, stole the crown for that particular Calypso competition. By mentioning "Macbeth [Macbeth the Great"]" and "Duke Of Iron", Lord Invader calls on other well respected Calypsonians to join him in his condemnation of Houdini.
****
OTHER EXAMPLES OF "SLY MONGOOSE"
(lyric composer/s ?)
Listen to the song about a sly mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad,
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose slip into Bedward kitchen,
Steal out one of his righteous chicken,
Steal out one of his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose went up to Bedward daughter,
Ask her if he could have some water.
Bedward daughter say, Whats the matter?
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose get out a dollar and a quarter,
Slipped it to old Bedward daughter.
Bedward daughter say, My Lord and master!
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Bedward went up to see his daughter,
Found Mongoose playing with one garter,
Bedward hit him just where he oughter.
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
[Comment:]
The mongoose of this topical song was a well-known government official who tried to buy the affections of one of the prophet Bedward's daughters.
Source: http://www.unlockingthearchives.rgs.org/themes/journeys/gallery/resource
****
SLY MONGOOSE
(Lyrics to Sly Mongoose, Sam Manning version, 1925)
Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Mongoose, the newspaper reported
Jumped into bed with the preacher’s daughter
Baptise her with his holy water
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose went into Bedward’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chicken
That’s the reason he fly from Jamaica
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose fly from Jamaica
Slide right over down to Cuba
Wouldn’t stop til he reach America
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now the world know your name
Brother mongoose, now the world know your fame
Mongoose told his high brown mama
Go away gal get another papa
I love your sister a whole lot better
Slide mongoose
Source: http://slymongoose.blogspot.com/2014/01/lyrics-to-sly-mongoose-sam-manning.html Posted by Martin
-snip-
"high brown mama" - light skinned Black woman
"get another papa" - get another lover
Click this link to a page of my cocojams cultural website for the words to another version of "Sly Mongoose": http://www.cocojams.com/content/caribbean-folk-songs
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
This post showcases a sound file of and lyrics for Lord Invader's version of "Sly Mongoose". Information about this old Caribbean song and two additional lyric versions of this song are included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thank to the composers of Sly Mongoose. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to those featured in these sound files and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT SLY MONGOOSE
The original "Sly Mongoose was composed in Jamaica, but versions of this song are well-known throughout the Caribbean.
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030629/arts/arts1.html
..."mento's roots lie in the early 19th century when European dances like the quadrille were popular throughout the Caribbean. By the end of the 19th century, mento was all the "rage" in Jamaica, and (like dance hall today) served as "throw wu'd" music, providing an avenue to discuss taboos and social issues.
{Some] mento songs commented on local news, the Bible, politics, infidelity, even obeah, and their subtle innuendo, humouros double entendres and suggestive lyrics helped to protect the innocent from the song's baser meanings.
According to the research, Slim and Sam were two of the best known writers of "throw wu'd" songs in the 1930s and 1940s. "Sly Mongoose" is one of the most popular "scandal" songs, which is still sung today:
Mongoose go down Missa Beckford kitchen,
Tek out one a 'im ritious chicken,
Put 'im inna 'im waiscoat pocket
Run mongoose
Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad.
Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad."
Originally, the lyrics likened the eccentric religious leader, Alexander Bedward, to a cunning mongoose (a dodgy character). But Bedward is absent from later versions sung today, which leaves the object of the song's criticism open to interpretation."...
****
From http://www.dramonline.org/content/notes/nwr/80427.pdf
"Zoop Zoop Zoop: Traditional Music And Folklore of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John" (New World Records 80427-2)
"This song, wellknown throughout the Caribbean is not really about the mongoose. In fact, the animal and its character is used to allude to sexual liaisons between the master of the house and the cook or between the mistress and a worker.
Sly Mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
Oh yes, sly mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
You went into the mistress kitchen
Take out one of the fattest chickens
Put it into your waistcoat pocket
sly mongoose. "
****
[regarding Lord Invaders' version of "Sly Mongoose":
From http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
“...originating in Jamaica where virtually all versions revolve around the activities of the Black prophet Alexander Bedward, “Sly Mongoose [Sly Mongoose Every Dog Knows Your Name] is reported as a carnival song in 1923 in Trinidad. Based on the symbolic references to a trickster with a sexual proclivity, in Eastern Caribbean versions, the mongoose goes into the White man’s kitchen rather than Bedward’s, and steals “one of his fattest chickens”.*
With incredulity, Invader describes his defeat in a calypso contest in the United States. Despite their up-to-date repertoire Houdini vanquishes Destroyer, Growler, and Invader in New York in 1941. Personified as a trickster, Houdini was much despised in Trinidad because of his U. S success and lack of esteem on the island."
-snip-
*Read my interpretation of the line about the Mongoose "going into the White man's kitchen and stealing one of his fattest chickens" regarding the lyrics for Lord Invader's version of this song.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: sly mongoose
roger ramirez Uploaded on Mar 24, 2009
****
LYRICS: SLY MONGOOSE
(Lord Invader, 1946)
There was a competition in America
With Houdini and Destroyer
Houdini sang Adolf Hitler
And yet they said that Houdini was the winner
What he won?
Chorus:
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing the chorus-
Sly Mongoose
-everybody-
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Then he challenge the Growler
And the Growler sand a hot number
Growler told the Houdini
He gonna win him with this melody,
What it was: “Old lady, you’re mashing my toe,”
“Oh lady, stop it isn’t”
And yet he won him with,
Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing it Macbeth-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
So as I’m Lord Invader, I said
“I can’t lose my name in America”,
I entered the competition,
And I sang a hot composition.
What it was: “Prisoner leve [Prisoner arise]
“Mete limier bai [Put a light]
and Yet he won me with
Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-everybody
Only dog know your name
-Duke of Iron-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Source: http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
-snip-
Rather than Lord Invader's "Sly Mongoose" being about a man with sexual proclivities, it is a critique about what Lord Invader and other Calypsonians considered to be Houdini's inauthenticity as a Calypsonian. When Lord Invader referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" he was using lines from that well known Caribbean song to insult Houdini. When he referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" and said that Sly Mongoose "went into the White man’s kitchen/Took up one of his fattest chickens", Lord Invader was saying that Houdini had achieved success in the United States as a Calypsonian that he and other Calypsonians believe that Houdini wouldn't have received in the Caribbean - in particular Houdini- the sly Mangoose, stole the crown for that particular Calypso competition. By mentioning "Macbeth [Macbeth the Great"]" and "Duke Of Iron", Lord Invader calls on other well respected Calypsonians to join him in his condemnation of Houdini.
****
OTHER EXAMPLES OF "SLY MONGOOSE"
(lyric composer/s ?)
Listen to the song about a sly mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad,
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose slip into Bedward kitchen,
Steal out one of his righteous chicken,
Steal out one of his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose went up to Bedward daughter,
Ask her if he could have some water.
Bedward daughter say, Whats the matter?
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Mongoose get out a dollar and a quarter,
Slipped it to old Bedward daughter.
Bedward daughter say, My Lord and master!
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
Bedward went up to see his daughter,
Found Mongoose playing with one garter,
Bedward hit him just where he oughter.
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad
[Comment:]
The mongoose of this topical song was a well-known government official who tried to buy the affections of one of the prophet Bedward's daughters.
Source: http://www.unlockingthearchives.rgs.org/themes/journeys/gallery/resource
****
SLY MONGOOSE
(Lyrics to Sly Mongoose, Sam Manning version, 1925)
Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Mongoose, the newspaper reported
Jumped into bed with the preacher’s daughter
Baptise her with his holy water
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose went into Bedward’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chicken
That’s the reason he fly from Jamaica
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose fly from Jamaica
Slide right over down to Cuba
Wouldn’t stop til he reach America
Slide mongoose
Slide mongoose, now the world know your name
Brother mongoose, now the world know your fame
Mongoose told his high brown mama
Go away gal get another papa
I love your sister a whole lot better
Slide mongoose
Source: http://slymongoose.blogspot.com/2014/01/lyrics-to-sly-mongoose-sam-manning.html Posted by Martin
-snip-
"high brown mama" - light skinned Black woman
"get another papa" - get another lover
Click this link to a page of my cocojams cultural website for the words to another version of "Sly Mongoose": http://www.cocojams.com/content/caribbean-folk-songs
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Eight DD4L (Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi) Videos
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post features eight videos of the Dancing Dolls majorette/dance group of Jackson, Mississippi (2011-July 2014). That group is featured on the American television show Bring It!.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
As a community folklorist, in addition to watching this majorette group's marching and dance scenes, I'm particularly interested in the group's use of the chant/slogan "DD4L".
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thank to Diane Williams and the members of the Dancing Dolls majorette group for helping to raise awareness about this majorette performance art style. Thanks also to also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
DISCLAIMER: I'm not affiliated in any way with this majorette group or of the Bring It television show that features this group.
****
RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/stand-battles-changing-meaning-of.html "Stand Battles & The Changing Meaning Of Majorettes In African American Culture"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/dance-stand-routines-from-hbcu-dance.html
"Stand Routines From Historically Black Colleges & Universities Dance Line Auditions"
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DANCING DOLLS (of Jackson, Mississippi)
From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Dolls/116220078408472?sk=info
"Dancing Dolls was founded August 20, 2001 in Jackson, MS. Dancing Dolls has become one of the most popular dance teams in the Southern Region. Dolls have won numerous dance championships and performed at countless event with JSU*.
-snip-
*JSU= Jackson State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi.
****
DD4L CHANT
"DD4L" (Dancing Dolls For Life) is a chant/slogan of the Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi. This unity & enthusiasm raising chant is performed in a call & response pattern, but with the response being the same words and pronunciation as the call. That slogan is also prominately featured in that group's t-shirts and other paraphernalia.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated posts presented first.
Example #1: Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Ms
TJSU06, Uploaded on Oct 12, 2011
JSU Homecoming Parade 2011
[Jackson State University]
****
Example #2: BUCK OR DIE... PARADES !...DD4L
pooh bear Published on Aug 26, 2012
-snip-
"Bucking" is a very old African based dance movement that is made by performing rapid, rhythmic pelvic thrusts. Coach D's definition of "bucking" is found in the video given as Example #5 below.
The Dancing Dolls' Facebook page whose link is given above includes an April 28th 2014 post announcing “The DD4L "BUCK OR DIE" Majorette Tour 2014 tours. ... a 3 day camp that teaches the art of Majorette dance. Buck or Die Majorette camp teaches the following: Marching Techniques, Struts, Basic agility skills, stretching technique, core building exercises, team building exercises, 3 parade routines, 5-10 regular stands, 3 Battle counts, 1 major field show, how to put together field shows, battle counts, etc. "...
****
Example #3: DD4L Highlight Reel
oneyouluvtohate, Published on Jul 28, 2013
Dancing Dolls of Jackson Highlight Reel.. A few performances from the season. Thanks for watching!!
****
Example #4: 'Bring It' Two-Min Sneak Peek - Premieres Wednesday on Lifetime
PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 3, 2014
Get an exclusive 2 minute sneak peek of new series, Bring It! Premieres Wednesday (March 5) at 10/9c on Lifetime.
****
Example #5: Bring It - Miss D's Dance Dictionary "Dance Styles"
PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 13, 2014
Catch 'Bring It' Wednesdays at 10/9c on Lifetime!
****
Example #6: Dd4l
nookie3784, Published on Mar 31, 2014
****
Example #7: Stand battle @ the Chicago dd4l camp
alexis wright, Published on Jul 4, 2014
****
Example #8: Bring it! 2014 summer premiere Teaser
MZ Jourdyne, Published on Jul 17, 2014
july 23rd is the summer premiere of the lifetime show Bring it!
DD4L!!!!!!
courtesy of pilgrim studios
miss d notable quotes
"show em the blacks of your gums"
"tears do not soften my heart"
-snip-
The beginning scene in this video was of the Bring It's cast appearance at the 2014 Essence Festival.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
This post features eight videos of the Dancing Dolls majorette/dance group of Jackson, Mississippi (2011-July 2014). That group is featured on the American television show Bring It!.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
As a community folklorist, in addition to watching this majorette group's marching and dance scenes, I'm particularly interested in the group's use of the chant/slogan "DD4L".
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thank to Diane Williams and the members of the Dancing Dolls majorette group for helping to raise awareness about this majorette performance art style. Thanks also to also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
DISCLAIMER: I'm not affiliated in any way with this majorette group or of the Bring It television show that features this group.
****
RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/stand-battles-changing-meaning-of.html "Stand Battles & The Changing Meaning Of Majorettes In African American Culture"
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/dance-stand-routines-from-hbcu-dance.html
"Stand Routines From Historically Black Colleges & Universities Dance Line Auditions"
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DANCING DOLLS (of Jackson, Mississippi)
From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Dolls/116220078408472?sk=info
"Dancing Dolls was founded August 20, 2001 in Jackson, MS. Dancing Dolls has become one of the most popular dance teams in the Southern Region. Dolls have won numerous dance championships and performed at countless event with JSU*.
-snip-
*JSU= Jackson State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi.
****
DD4L CHANT
"DD4L" (Dancing Dolls For Life) is a chant/slogan of the Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi. This unity & enthusiasm raising chant is performed in a call & response pattern, but with the response being the same words and pronunciation as the call. That slogan is also prominately featured in that group's t-shirts and other paraphernalia.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated posts presented first.
Example #1: Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Ms
TJSU06, Uploaded on Oct 12, 2011
JSU Homecoming Parade 2011
[Jackson State University]
****
Example #2: BUCK OR DIE... PARADES !...DD4L
pooh bear Published on Aug 26, 2012
-snip-
"Bucking" is a very old African based dance movement that is made by performing rapid, rhythmic pelvic thrusts. Coach D's definition of "bucking" is found in the video given as Example #5 below.
The Dancing Dolls' Facebook page whose link is given above includes an April 28th 2014 post announcing “The DD4L "BUCK OR DIE" Majorette Tour 2014 tours. ... a 3 day camp that teaches the art of Majorette dance. Buck or Die Majorette camp teaches the following: Marching Techniques, Struts, Basic agility skills, stretching technique, core building exercises, team building exercises, 3 parade routines, 5-10 regular stands, 3 Battle counts, 1 major field show, how to put together field shows, battle counts, etc. "...
****
Example #3: DD4L Highlight Reel
oneyouluvtohate, Published on Jul 28, 2013
Dancing Dolls of Jackson Highlight Reel.. A few performances from the season. Thanks for watching!!
****
Example #4: 'Bring It' Two-Min Sneak Peek - Premieres Wednesday on Lifetime
PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 3, 2014
Get an exclusive 2 minute sneak peek of new series, Bring It! Premieres Wednesday (March 5) at 10/9c on Lifetime.
****
Example #5: Bring It - Miss D's Dance Dictionary "Dance Styles"
PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 13, 2014
Catch 'Bring It' Wednesdays at 10/9c on Lifetime!
****
Example #6: Dd4l
nookie3784, Published on Mar 31, 2014
****
Example #7: Stand battle @ the Chicago dd4l camp
alexis wright, Published on Jul 4, 2014
****
Example #8: Bring it! 2014 summer premiere Teaser
MZ Jourdyne, Published on Jul 17, 2014
july 23rd is the summer premiere of the lifetime show Bring it!
DD4L!!!!!!
courtesy of pilgrim studios
miss d notable quotes
"show em the blacks of your gums"
"tears do not soften my heart"
-snip-
The beginning scene in this video was of the Bring It's cast appearance at the 2014 Essence Festival.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Living Waters (South African Gospel with English lyrics)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases the South African Gospel singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba singing "Living Waters". The lyrics to this song in English are also featured in this post.
The content of this post is provided for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Hlengiwe Mhlaba for her music. Thanks also to all others who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this examples on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT HLENGIWE MHLABA
From http://www.bigfishmusic.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83:hlengiwe-mhlaba&catid=42:big-fish-music-artists
"Hlengiwe Mhlaba was born 37 years ago in the Kwa-MAshu in Kwa-Zulu Natal, She discovered her singing talent when she gave her life to Christ at a very young age, she became a house hold name among the crusade goers especially in KZN and Swaziland, as years went by her fan base grew tremendously , she only started singing professionally seven years ago after an encounter with Sipho Makhabane who signed her under his stable Big Fish Music known then as Amanxusa Music Production.
ALBUMS: Her debut album Dwala lami was released in 2005, she shocked many by not following in the footsteps of any existing gospel musicians of that time, she came out very unique in sound, voice and presentation, this introduced Hlengiwe Mhlaba to the rest of the country as the first Gospel Jazz artist., she received an overwhelming support from people as the industry was becoming dull with no creativity shown by many gospel artists as a result they all sounded the same"...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Living waters
nandrish Uploaded on Sep 4, 2009
one of sa's [South Africa’s] best Gospel artists! this woman is truly blessed and in turn she blesses others with her amazing music!
****
LYRICS: LIVING WATERS
(as sung by Hlengiwe Mhlaba)
Let Your living water flow over my soul,
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.
Father, Father, Father.
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul,
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole,
As you give your life to Him, He'll set you free,
You will live and reign with Him eternally.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Come now Holy Spirit and take control,
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole,
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride,
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side.
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit.
Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll.
Father, Jesus, Spirit
-snip-
Thanks to Boitshwarelo Phiri1 for posting these lyrics in that sound file's discussion thread.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases the South African Gospel singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba singing "Living Waters". The lyrics to this song in English are also featured in this post.
The content of this post is provided for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Hlengiwe Mhlaba for her music. Thanks also to all others who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this examples on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT HLENGIWE MHLABA
From http://www.bigfishmusic.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83:hlengiwe-mhlaba&catid=42:big-fish-music-artists
"Hlengiwe Mhlaba was born 37 years ago in the Kwa-MAshu in Kwa-Zulu Natal, She discovered her singing talent when she gave her life to Christ at a very young age, she became a house hold name among the crusade goers especially in KZN and Swaziland, as years went by her fan base grew tremendously , she only started singing professionally seven years ago after an encounter with Sipho Makhabane who signed her under his stable Big Fish Music known then as Amanxusa Music Production.
ALBUMS: Her debut album Dwala lami was released in 2005, she shocked many by not following in the footsteps of any existing gospel musicians of that time, she came out very unique in sound, voice and presentation, this introduced Hlengiwe Mhlaba to the rest of the country as the first Gospel Jazz artist., she received an overwhelming support from people as the industry was becoming dull with no creativity shown by many gospel artists as a result they all sounded the same"...
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Living waters
nandrish Uploaded on Sep 4, 2009
one of sa's [South Africa’s] best Gospel artists! this woman is truly blessed and in turn she blesses others with her amazing music!
****
LYRICS: LIVING WATERS
(as sung by Hlengiwe Mhlaba)
Let Your living water flow over my soul,
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.
Father, Father, Father.
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul,
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole,
As you give your life to Him, He'll set you free,
You will live and reign with Him eternally.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Come now Holy Spirit and take control,
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole,
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride,
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side.
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit.
Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll.
Father, Jesus, Spirit
-snip-
Thanks to Boitshwarelo Phiri1 for posting these lyrics in that sound file's discussion thread.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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