Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest Revision- July 27, 2019
Yesterday as I was YouTube searching through classic Dancehall Reggae songs, I happened upon two records - Buju Banton's "I Love My Browning" and Nardo Ranks "Them A Bleach".* Both 1992 songs from Jamaica include the word "browning". From the lyrics to both of those songs I understood that "browning" refers to a person or people with a particular skin color. However, as an African American, I thought that "browning" meant a Black person who has a brown skin color which was lighter than dark chocolate. I was wrong. That's what "brown" means in the United States, but the very similar term "browning" ("brownin") doesn't have that meaning in Jamaica, and therefore is an example of how a skin color referent can mean different things in different parts of the world.
*Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/08/buju-baton-i-love-my-browning-nardo.html for a pancocojams post that features those two Dancehall Reggae songs.
It turns out that in Jamaica, and it seems in some or most other Caribbean nations, "browning" means a Black person who is light skinned (fair complexioned). Here are some definitions of "browning" from several online sources:
Definitions
(These definitions are presented in no order of preference.)
1. From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Browning
Browning
"Word from the West Indies & Jamaica
meaning: Light skinned girl
red bone
Eh Yute, yu see di browning gyal a deh?
tags: red bone, red boned, light skinned, mulato, ciara" **
by Audience May 11, 2006
-End of quote-
**Commas, and the word "tags" are added for clarity. The word "ciara" in this entry refers to the African American vocalist whose name is Ciara. That name is given as an example of a person who the contributor believes has this particular skin color.
**
2. From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=red+bone&page=2
"brownin
A term derived in Jamaica which is used to describe a person of African descent who is light skinned.
That gyal deh ah brownin
tags: lightskin, yellow bone, red bone, yellow, red**
by Kelera Nov 21, 2007
**
3. From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwvaCeoMv84 **
Buju Banton: Browning [I Love Me Brownin]
"4 those of yu who dnt kno wat he means wen he says 'brownin' he means 'red skin' its a common term used by jamaicans instead of sayin 'red skin' we say 'brown skin' or 'brownin'
“fair skinned” what African Americans call “light skinned”
-jodijonas26, 2012
** WARNING - Many of the comments in this YouTube viewer comment thread include profanity, sexually explicit language, racist language, and other offensive language.
-snip-
Notice that each of these definitions or their accompanying tags refer to "red skin" or "redbone". A comment posted on the YouTube viewer comment thread given above for the Buju Banton song (definition #3) indicates that "interesting. I'm trini and i always thought 'red-skin' was light skinned, 'brownin' was brown/caramel."
- "Tamikha Figaro", 2009
-snip-
"Trini" is an informal referent for the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago & those who are from Trinidad. That comment suggests that "browning" may have different meanings for some West Indians outside of Jamaica. But what I think is more significant is the repeated referent to "redbone" or "red skin" in definitions for "browning" or "a browning".
****
4. From http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Browning/928#.XTxCWuhKi70 [Added July 27, 2019]
"Browning
English Translation: Mixed race
Definition: a person who is mixed race with light skin
Example Sentences
Patois: Look pon dah browning deh!
English: Look at that light skin person"
posted by alicia.dean.7940 on March 22, 2017
****
Note that the African American definition for "red bone" is different from the Caribbean definition for that informal color referent.
Here are eight definitions of "redbone" that are posted on urbandictionary.com from as of August 2013 http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=red+bone&page=2
Disclaimer - The fact that I quote definition from urbandictionary.com does not mean that I agree with every point made in those comments or that I like all of the phrasing those commenters use.
"Red Bone
A reddish-Brown African American or someone mixed with 2 or more of the following afican american, naitive american,Asian,middle eastern and northern european.
Redbone is often confused with Yellowbone which is a Light skinned African American.
Red bones: Ashanti, Chilli from TLC, Amerie, pillar sanders, Queen latifah, Li' Romeo,
Yelowbones: Ludacris, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Lisa Raye, Raven Symone,Alicia Keys, Tia and Tomara mowry
byTchic, Apr 24, 2008
-snip-
All of the previously posted urbandictionary.com definitions of "redbone" basically say the same thing as the definition given above, although some also erroneously indicate that “redbones” refer only to females.
Some of those other definitions of redbone that are posted on urbandictionary.com also erroneously indicate that, in addition to a particular skin complexion, “redbones” means a female who is “thick” (“well built”; “stacked”) and/or has other attributes that are thought to be attractive by males. Furthermore, those definitions limit themselves to African Americans. However, from the online comments I've read, the term "redbone" appears to be known- if not regularly used -in at least some Caribbean nations.
Here's a definition of "yellow bone" from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Yellow%20Bone&defid=4185020
"Yellow Bone
"A Yellow Bone is the lightest type of light skinned black female. They can often be very rare to see in comparison to other blacks because there are not as many of them in the general black population. They are usually mixed with white, something similar, of multiple races including black, or may just have another race mixed into their family tree which causes them to be very very light. Their skin usually has a yellow-tan, yellowish-red, or yellowish(almost caucasion- white) look to it.They usaually have hair texture ranging from the typical black female hair texture to natural tight curls, loose curles, wavey, or even caucasion-white looking hair textures. They are can many times have lighter hair and eyes.
Many mixed, multiracial, and bi-racial females are often called Yellow Boned in the black community due to them fitting this discription. Many times a light skinned black can be considered to be both Yellow Boned and Red Boned if she is light enough to be Yellow Boned but still can fall into a tan or redish complextion catagory.So alot of Yellow Bones can also be considered to be Red Bones but not many Red Bones can be considered Yellow Boned. ( yes this can sound complicated if your not familiar to it) They can often even look some what like spainish females but they ARE black.
*** Some examples are MARIAH CAREY (her father is a BLACK hispanic), ALISHIA KEYS( who is light enough to be considered Yellow Bone but can also be called Red Boned because she often appears yellowish red, or sometimes reddish-tan), BEYONCE's mother is Yellow Bone( Beyonce is Red Bone), and Kimora Lee Simmons (founder of Baby Phat)
Man dont worry if you dont know which one is her.You wont have a hard time knowing when you see her- she's the Yellow Bone.
Yeah she is a Yellow Bone but no she aint mixed(her mom and dad look black). I think maybe her grandma was half white or maybe it was her great granddad that was white- I dont remember.
tags yellow bone, yellow boned, yella bone, mixed" **
- byReal Right, Aug 18, 2009
-snip-
This definition is reformatted for clarity & included other examples of the use of that term.
Disclaimer - The fact that I quote this definition doesn't mean that I like all of the phrasing that the commenter used - for instance "They are usually mixed with white, something similar" or "half-white".
To correct any misconception, as is the case with "redbone", the term "yellow bone" (yellowbone) can also refer to males.
****
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Given that in Jamaica, and probably in other Caribbean nations, "browning" refers -at least in part- to Black people who have a reddish brown complexion, it's interesting that the "brown" part of that definition appears to be emphasized more than the "red" part of that definition.
Also, it should be noted that the term "browning" as well as "redbone" and "yellow bone" carry with it certain connotations which are usually positive. For instance, check out this definition of "browning" from http://www.speakjamaican.com/glossary/
"Browning- Complementing a black person of light skin, and good complexion."
-snip-
I wonder if "good complexion" in that definition means having skin that is healthy. I doubt that. Instead, given issues of colorism*** among Black people, I think that the inference is that a browning's skin is considered to be good because it is light.
*** "Definition - Colorism is a practice of discrimination by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin. In the African-American community, this traditionally played out via the paper bag test. Those lighter than the standard paper lunch bag were allowed entry into fraternities, sororities and other realms of black upper class life, while dark-skinned blacks were excluded. The Spike Lee film “School Daze” is an exploration of colorism.
Examples:
Colorism mirrors white supremacy in that those with lighter skin are awarded privileges their dark-skinned counterparts aren't--strictly based on skin color."
http://racerelations.about.com/od/understandingrac1/g/definitionofcolorism.htm
-snip-
As a friendly amendment, I'd insert the word "certain" into the sentence about "fraternities, sororities and other realms of black upper class life" that excluded darker skinned Black people.
Although that definition of "colorism" refers to African Americans, unfortuantely colorism as it relates to Black people and other People of Color is found worldwide.
Buju Banton's now classic 1992 song "I Love My Browning" was composed to honor that vocalist's light skinned girlfriend. However, that song probably increased the amount of skin bleaching to obtain a lighter skin color that occurred in Jamaica prior to that record's release and that song probably still influences skin bleaching that continues to be done in Jamaica and in other parts of the Caribbean.
Furthermore, "Controversy erupted over "Love Me Browning" which spoke of Banton's penchant for light-skinned women: "I love my car I love my bike I love my money and ting, but most of all I love my browning." Some accused Banton of promoting a colonialist mindset and denigrating the beauty of dark skinned black women. In response, he released "Love Black Woman" which spoke of his love for dark-skinned beauties: "Mi nuh Stop cry, fi all black women, respect all the girls dem with dark complexion"."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buju_Banton
Nardo Ranks song "Them A Bleach" addressed the issue of Black females bleaching their skin to lighten it:
"Dem ah bleach out dem skin
Gal me honour you!
A you nuh bleach out yuh skin
You nuh use no chemical fi look like a brownin"
-snip-
That video's YouTube viewer comment thread includes profanity, sexual explicit, racist, and other offensive comments. That comment also refers to Black male celebrities who bleach their skin.
Hopefully, the time will come when no positive or negative value is placed on any skin color and people realize that "it's all good".
****
Thanks to all of those who I quoted in this post.
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Showing posts with label skin color. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin color. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Monday, March 12, 2012
The "I'm Black As Hell" Line In The Song "Random Black Girl"
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post includes an excerpt from a longer post that I edited on the song "Random Black Girl".
Click http://cocojams.com/content/random-black-girl-lyrics-comments for that entire post.
"Random Black Girl" is a song that was composed by Kooman & Dimond for their 2008 play Homemade Fusion. In that song, a Black female laments that in theatrical productions, the Black female hired is always typecasted. And one of the aspects of typecasting is that she must always "sing the soul".
Here's that song's lyrics:
RANDOM BLACK GIRL
(music by Michael Kooman; lyrics by Christopher Dimond)
From http://koomandimond.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/lyrics-random-black-girl/
I’m not like the other girls in this show.
I’m something of a sore thumb.
I’m starting to think that I’m different.
And I suspect I know how come.
My complexion stands out.
And my voice does as well.
Cause in case you haven’t noticed,
I’m black as hell.
It’s an obligatory part of every new musical
It’s the random black girl singin’ the soul.
Every show must have an ensemble,
Without it things wouldn’t be right
And every crowd needs at least one person
Who doesn’t happen to be white.
Well, that girl is usually me,
Feels like I’m just filling a quota.
Anytime I ever have lines,
They’re “yes’m”, and “yessir” and “nosa’”.
When it comes to the plot I play no significant role
I’m just a random black girl singin’ the soul.
So, I conduct with my hands
And I’ll squinch up my eyes
And then I’ll open my mouth
Unbelievably wide.
And at the end of the song
When it’s time to let go
I’ll give ‘em a dose
Of my crazy vibrato.
Why couldn’t I be cast for a part in The Color Purple,
‘Stead of a random black girl singin’ the soul?
My agent gave me advice.
Those words I’ll never forget.
He said “Don’t think you’ll ever be cast
As Eponine or Cossette.”
But I guess things always could be worse,
When it comes to my Broadway station
At least I’m not cursed
Enough to have been born Asian.
Then I’d be stuck in Miss Saigon dancing on a pole,
Stead of the random black girl singin’ the soul.
The designers can’t light me.
Director don’t know my name.
And the make up artist thinks
That we all wear the same…shade.
And Mr. Stage Manager
Thinks I got too much sass.
The costumer don’t know what to do,
With my big old black—-hair.
Maybe I should audition for American Idol.
They love the random black girl singin’ the soul.
So what does this song change?
Well, not a relevant thing.
But you gotta be thinkin’ to yourself
“Goddamn, this sister can sing”.
Don’t you hate it when songs are so self-referential?
I’m a random black girl singin’ the…
Don’t stop me now, cause baby I’m on a roll.
I’m the random black girl singin’ the…
I can make an entire phrase out of one syllable.
Cause I’m a random black girl singin’ the soul.
****
MY COMMENT ABOUT THE LINE "I'M BLACK AS HELL"
Song lyrics may have unexpected nuances based on the experiences of their readers and listeners. I think this may be the case with the line "I'm black as hell" in the song "Random Black Girl".
This is the only line in that song which rubs me the wrong way - although I confess that I initially also had problems with the "I'm glad I wasn't born Asian" line. However, in retrospect, I understand that the lyricist meant that in the theatre business, Asian actresses have it even worst than Black actresses.
So why does that "I'm black as hell" line bother me? First let me say that I know that the line "I'm black as hell" rhymes with the preceding line "and my voice does as well". And I know that the line is a witty conclusion to the preceding lines that "set the stage" for why the vocalist is different from her other cast members. That line's wit - and the way it is sung or spoken -are reasons why that line in the song seems to always evoke laughter. But my problem with the "I'm black as hell" line is that I'm Black and I'm old. And as an old Black woman, I'm aware of nuances for the phrase "black as hell" that younger Black people and any age non-Black people may not get.
When Black people say "She's (or he's) black as hell", I think they usually meant (mean) that the person was "really black". And really black meant (means) "real dark skinned". A comparable saying was/is "She's black as the ace of spades". I hasten to say that I don't ever recall me saying this to anyone because 1. I'm too nice and 2. I wouldn't want to get my behind whooped.
I believe that Chris Dimond, the White lyricist for the song "Random Black Girl", may have interpreted "really black" to mean "really a member of the Black race" and therefore a person who is darker than & different from the play's other cast members. However, I remember a time - and I think that time is still now - when a Black person would NEVER describe someone as being "black as hell" - at least not to their face. That was a SERIOUS insult. Why is black as hell an insult? Blame it on the REALLY messed up racial realities of the United States and elsewhere.
That said, I repeat that I believe that the lyricist for this song may not have been aware of the nuanced interpretation that some (many?) African Americans have for the phrase "I'm black as hell". Or maybe he was aware of that nuance and wanted to de-emphasize that meaning for the song's listeners & readers -including Black folks.
It should be noted that, while the vocalist Patina Miller who sung that "Random Black Girl" in the Human Fusion play would probably be considered dark skinned, most of the YouTube videos of "Random Black Girl" feature a Black vocalist that Black people wouldn't consider to be dark skinned. In some of the YouTube videos of that song the vocalist is a Black woman who would be considered light skinned, although none of the videos that I've seen to date feature a very light skinned Black female vocalist singing "Random Black Girl". It's therefore possible that the meaning of "black as hell" has changed - or maybe most Black people have put aside that old meaning of that phrase, at least in the context of that song. It occurs to me what is the opposite of "black as hell"? - "white as heaven?" Hmmm.
Also, I wonder what is the opposite of black as hel l- white as heaven? Hmmm.
I suppose that I could just sit back and enjoy the song. And I do enjoy it, but not without thinking about the deeper meaning of the words. (I blame my Virgo astrological placements and my natal Mercury in Sagittarius in my 3rd house for motivating me to think about the whys & wherefores of a lot of things). However, I mean no disrespect to this song, and my conclusion is that this song - and its lyricist - mean no disrespect to me, random or otherwise.
****
VIDEOS
Video #1: Random Black Girl
There are a number of YouTube videos of the song "Random Black Girl".
Patina Miller is the vocalist who starred in Kooman and Dimond's first production of the play Human Fusion in which this song is included. Notice that BPatina Miller sings the "I'm black as hell" line:
Patina Miller - Random Black Girl
Uploaded by koomandimond on Mar 20, 2008
Patina Miller in Kooman and Dimond's HOMEMADE FUSION at the Zipper Theatre.
-snip-
Here are two other examples of that line being spoken and not sung:
Video #2: Random Black Girl---Allyson Daniel
Penn State Musical Theatre Dept., Jun 29, 2008
Allyson Daniel '08 singing Random Black Girl at 21 Cabaret (21 songs from 21 new composers of the 21st century) directed by Robert Schneider.
****
Video #3: Random Black Girl
Uploaded by HarttMTs on May 30, 2009
Olithea Anglin Sings Random Black Girl with music and lyrics by Christopher Dimond and Michael Kooman
The Hartt School's Senior class in Music Theatre performed their Showcase in NYC in May...
-snip-
It's interesting that each of the singers in these videos deliver the "I'm black as hell" line differently.
I very much prefer the sung version of this line. However, I'm aware that others may disagree, and that's alright too. At least that line isn't spoken or sung in a self-effacing way or with an antagonistic manner like "Yeah so what if I'm black as hell", like the speaker was admitting something bad about herself and daring someone to say something about it. I REALLY wouldn't like that.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This post includes an excerpt from a longer post that I edited on the song "Random Black Girl".
Click http://cocojams.com/content/random-black-girl-lyrics-comments for that entire post.
"Random Black Girl" is a song that was composed by Kooman & Dimond for their 2008 play Homemade Fusion. In that song, a Black female laments that in theatrical productions, the Black female hired is always typecasted. And one of the aspects of typecasting is that she must always "sing the soul".
Here's that song's lyrics:
RANDOM BLACK GIRL
(music by Michael Kooman; lyrics by Christopher Dimond)
From http://koomandimond.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/lyrics-random-black-girl/
I’m not like the other girls in this show.
I’m something of a sore thumb.
I’m starting to think that I’m different.
And I suspect I know how come.
My complexion stands out.
And my voice does as well.
Cause in case you haven’t noticed,
I’m black as hell.
It’s an obligatory part of every new musical
It’s the random black girl singin’ the soul.
Every show must have an ensemble,
Without it things wouldn’t be right
And every crowd needs at least one person
Who doesn’t happen to be white.
Well, that girl is usually me,
Feels like I’m just filling a quota.
Anytime I ever have lines,
They’re “yes’m”, and “yessir” and “nosa’”.
When it comes to the plot I play no significant role
I’m just a random black girl singin’ the soul.
So, I conduct with my hands
And I’ll squinch up my eyes
And then I’ll open my mouth
Unbelievably wide.
And at the end of the song
When it’s time to let go
I’ll give ‘em a dose
Of my crazy vibrato.
Why couldn’t I be cast for a part in The Color Purple,
‘Stead of a random black girl singin’ the soul?
My agent gave me advice.
Those words I’ll never forget.
He said “Don’t think you’ll ever be cast
As Eponine or Cossette.”
But I guess things always could be worse,
When it comes to my Broadway station
At least I’m not cursed
Enough to have been born Asian.
Then I’d be stuck in Miss Saigon dancing on a pole,
Stead of the random black girl singin’ the soul.
The designers can’t light me.
Director don’t know my name.
And the make up artist thinks
That we all wear the same…shade.
And Mr. Stage Manager
Thinks I got too much sass.
The costumer don’t know what to do,
With my big old black—-hair.
Maybe I should audition for American Idol.
They love the random black girl singin’ the soul.
So what does this song change?
Well, not a relevant thing.
But you gotta be thinkin’ to yourself
“Goddamn, this sister can sing”.
Don’t you hate it when songs are so self-referential?
I’m a random black girl singin’ the…
Don’t stop me now, cause baby I’m on a roll.
I’m the random black girl singin’ the…
I can make an entire phrase out of one syllable.
Cause I’m a random black girl singin’ the soul.
****
MY COMMENT ABOUT THE LINE "I'M BLACK AS HELL"
Song lyrics may have unexpected nuances based on the experiences of their readers and listeners. I think this may be the case with the line "I'm black as hell" in the song "Random Black Girl".
This is the only line in that song which rubs me the wrong way - although I confess that I initially also had problems with the "I'm glad I wasn't born Asian" line. However, in retrospect, I understand that the lyricist meant that in the theatre business, Asian actresses have it even worst than Black actresses.
So why does that "I'm black as hell" line bother me? First let me say that I know that the line "I'm black as hell" rhymes with the preceding line "and my voice does as well". And I know that the line is a witty conclusion to the preceding lines that "set the stage" for why the vocalist is different from her other cast members. That line's wit - and the way it is sung or spoken -are reasons why that line in the song seems to always evoke laughter. But my problem with the "I'm black as hell" line is that I'm Black and I'm old. And as an old Black woman, I'm aware of nuances for the phrase "black as hell" that younger Black people and any age non-Black people may not get.
When Black people say "She's (or he's) black as hell", I think they usually meant (mean) that the person was "really black". And really black meant (means) "real dark skinned". A comparable saying was/is "She's black as the ace of spades". I hasten to say that I don't ever recall me saying this to anyone because 1. I'm too nice and 2. I wouldn't want to get my behind whooped.
I believe that Chris Dimond, the White lyricist for the song "Random Black Girl", may have interpreted "really black" to mean "really a member of the Black race" and therefore a person who is darker than & different from the play's other cast members. However, I remember a time - and I think that time is still now - when a Black person would NEVER describe someone as being "black as hell" - at least not to their face. That was a SERIOUS insult. Why is black as hell an insult? Blame it on the REALLY messed up racial realities of the United States and elsewhere.
That said, I repeat that I believe that the lyricist for this song may not have been aware of the nuanced interpretation that some (many?) African Americans have for the phrase "I'm black as hell". Or maybe he was aware of that nuance and wanted to de-emphasize that meaning for the song's listeners & readers -including Black folks.
It should be noted that, while the vocalist Patina Miller who sung that "Random Black Girl" in the Human Fusion play would probably be considered dark skinned, most of the YouTube videos of "Random Black Girl" feature a Black vocalist that Black people wouldn't consider to be dark skinned. In some of the YouTube videos of that song the vocalist is a Black woman who would be considered light skinned, although none of the videos that I've seen to date feature a very light skinned Black female vocalist singing "Random Black Girl". It's therefore possible that the meaning of "black as hell" has changed - or maybe most Black people have put aside that old meaning of that phrase, at least in the context of that song. It occurs to me what is the opposite of "black as hell"? - "white as heaven?" Hmmm.
Also, I wonder what is the opposite of black as hel l- white as heaven? Hmmm.
I suppose that I could just sit back and enjoy the song. And I do enjoy it, but not without thinking about the deeper meaning of the words. (I blame my Virgo astrological placements and my natal Mercury in Sagittarius in my 3rd house for motivating me to think about the whys & wherefores of a lot of things). However, I mean no disrespect to this song, and my conclusion is that this song - and its lyricist - mean no disrespect to me, random or otherwise.
****
VIDEOS
Video #1: Random Black Girl
There are a number of YouTube videos of the song "Random Black Girl".
Patina Miller is the vocalist who starred in Kooman and Dimond's first production of the play Human Fusion in which this song is included. Notice that BPatina Miller sings the "I'm black as hell" line:
Patina Miller - Random Black Girl
Uploaded by koomandimond on Mar 20, 2008
Patina Miller in Kooman and Dimond's HOMEMADE FUSION at the Zipper Theatre.
-snip-
Here are two other examples of that line being spoken and not sung:
Video #2: Random Black Girl---Allyson Daniel
Penn State Musical Theatre Dept., Jun 29, 2008
Allyson Daniel '08 singing Random Black Girl at 21 Cabaret (21 songs from 21 new composers of the 21st century) directed by Robert Schneider.
****
Video #3: Random Black Girl
Uploaded by HarttMTs on May 30, 2009
Olithea Anglin Sings Random Black Girl with music and lyrics by Christopher Dimond and Michael Kooman
The Hartt School's Senior class in Music Theatre performed their Showcase in NYC in May...
-snip-
It's interesting that each of the singers in these videos deliver the "I'm black as hell" line differently.
I very much prefer the sung version of this line. However, I'm aware that others may disagree, and that's alright too. At least that line isn't spoken or sung in a self-effacing way or with an antagonistic manner like "Yeah so what if I'm black as hell", like the speaker was admitting something bad about herself and daring someone to say something about it. I REALLY wouldn't like that.
****
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Viewer comments are welcome.
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