"Bangarang" Means Different Things In Jamaica & In The USA

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post highlights the differences between the meanings of the word "bangarang" in Jamaica and in the United States.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/three-reggae-records-with-title.html for a companion post that showcases three Reggae songs entitled "Bangarang". That post includes selected comments about the word "bangarang" from the discussion thread of one of those featured YouTube sound files.

The content of this post is presented for etymology and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks all those who are quoted in this post.

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WEST INDIAN (JAMAICAN) DEFINITIONS FOR "BANGARANG"
From http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/bangarang
"Bangarang
Line breaks: banga|rang
Part of speech -noun

Meaning -An uproar or disturbance.

Origin - West Indian

probably imitative, but perhaps influenced by Portuguese banguelê 'riot, disorder'.
-snip-
By "probably imitative", my guess is that that editor means "imitating the sound of gun fire' ("bang bang").

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From http://jamaicanpatwah.com/
"Jamaican Patois [Patwah] and Slang Dictionary"
Bangarang
English Translation - Commotion

Definition - slang term used to describe a loud uproar or commotion

Example Sentences
Patois: A wah cause di bangarang over deh suh?
English: What caused the commotion over there?

[posted by anonymous on July 5, 2013]
-snip-
Note: An anonymous blogger also posted the meaning "old clothes" for bangarang. I've not seen that meaning anywhere else. I therefore discount this "old clothes" definition for "bangarang".
[UPDATE 10/20/2014: According to the OED online (Oxford (University) English Dictionary) "rubbish" and then "old clothes" are old meanings for the words that became "bangarang". Read more in the comment by slam2011 below. Thanks, slam2011!,

Given those early meanings of "bangarang", the theory that it comes from the Portuguese banguelê 'riot, disorder' might be more doubtful.]

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From http://niceup.com/patois.html#b "Rasta/Patois Dictionary and Phrases/Proverbs"
"bangarang - hubbub, uproar, disorder, disturbance."

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WHEN WAS BANGARANG FIRST DOCUMENTED IN THE CARIBBEAN?
UPDATE 10/20/2014 [Hat tip to blogger slam 2014 who found information about this word in the Oxford English Dictionary online.

The first documented use of the word that became "bangarang" was in 1935.

In 1967 (some sources give this date as 1968) Lester Sterling & [Wilbur[ "Stranger" Cole recorded a tune with the title "Bangarang". Some say that this is the first Reggae record.
[Update ends]

Here's an excerpt pf an article from the Jamaican newspaper about that song:
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090719/ent/ent8.html "STORY OF THE SONG - One line makes a 'Bangarang'", July 19, 2009 by Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer
"For a song that has just one line of lyrics, Strange Jah Cole's Bangarang packs a wallop of a musical punch.

Not only did it hit number one when it was released in 1967, as Cole told The Sunday Gleaner, but Bangarang, on which saxophonist Lester Sterling does most of the lead duties, was covered relatively recently by Freddie McGregor. And the term's use in Parliament when the political battle got hot, after it has long ceased to be hip street terminology, seems to confirm that Bangarang has served the purpose of language preservation as a side effect to simply being a danceable tune."...

[Stranger Cole happened to visit a music studio in Jamaican when music producer Bunny 'Striker' Lee was working on a song]

"Lee was happy to see Cole, saying, "Pro, you are the right man I am looking for. I have a song called Bongo Chant. I want to do it Jamaican style with Lester Sterling."

"He played it for me with his mouth," Cole said, humming the melody for The Sunday Gleaner, much slower than the hit Jamaican version. As Lee finished humming, Cole picked up on the melody and sang the line "Moma no want no bangarang".

And they went into the studio to record.

When The Sunday Gleaner asks Cole what he was thinking when he did the line, he replies, "It is not what I was thinking, it is what the word means. 'Bangarang' means problems, so to break it down it is 'mother no want no problems'."...

He points out that many people sing "woman no want no bangarang", but he actually said Moma.
-snip-
Examples of comments from various YouTube discussion threads for that Lester Sterling & Stranger Cole record as well as examples of comments from discussion threads of Freddy McGregor's song with the title "Bangarang" are included in that pancocojams companion post about this word. Those self-identified commenters define ""bangarang" in similar terms as have already been given by West Indian sources or by sources quoting West Indian people.

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AMERICAN [USA] DEFINITIONS FOR "BANGARANG"
From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bangarang
"bangarang
1. Battle cry of the Lost Boys in the movie Hook.
2. Jamaican slang defined as a hubbub, uproar, disorder, or disturbance.
3. General exclamation meant to signify approval or amazement."
by Drewcifer511June 14, 2006

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"bangarang
The ultimate in excellence. Better than cool, rad or awesome. Saved for very special occasions. Word first used in the movie "Hook".
Dude 1: Man, I just found a cheap cure for HIV/AIDS.

Dude 2: Bangarang"
by James Tao KlauenburchAugust 08, 2004
-snip-
The 1991 American movie "Hook" was definitely not the first time that the word "bangarang" was ever used. However, that movie may have been the first time that "bangarang" was used as an exclamation of approval.

Here's a quote that credits the word "bangarang" in the "Hook" movie to the Jamaican word "bangarang":
From http://www.ibtimes.com/bangarang-peter-pan-obama-pays-tribute-robin-williams-famous-hook-quote-after-actors-death-1655602 "Bangarang Peter Pan': Obama Pays Tribute To Robin Williams, Famous 'Hook' Quote After Actor's Death"
By Cristina Silva @cristymsilvac.silva@ibtimes.com on August 11 2014 9:06 PM
" "Bangarang!" It was the Lost Boys' battle cry in "Hook" and now it's how fans worldwide will remember comedian Robin Williams. President Barack Obama paid tribute to the actor after his death Monday with a statement referencing one of Williams' most famous scenes. "Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between," Obama's statement read.

So what does "bangarang" mean? Williams slipped into Peter Pan's iconic green tights in Disney's 1991 "Hook." In the movie, Williams plays an overweight, adult Peter Pan who must be reminded of his youthful ways by the Lost Boys, who yell out "bangarang" in one of the film's funniest scenes when Peter Pan takes on the Lost Boys' replacement leader, Rufio. The Lost Boys signal their approval [of Peter Pan shouting insults back at Rufio] with cries of "bangarang," according to IMDB.com.

Electronic music producer Skillrex paid tribute to the scene with his hit song "Bangarang" in 2012. Skillrex calls out in the song: “Shout to all my lost boys. We rowdy. Shout to all my lost boys. Bangarang!”

OK, but what does it mean? Apparently, it's a Jamaican word that means disturbance."...
-snip-
The word "disturbance" was hyperlinked to this page http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/eight-things-you-never-knew-about-steven-spielbergs-1991-film-hook/story-e6frfmvr-1226845734260 "Eight things you never knew about Steven Spielberg’s 1991 film ‘Hook’".
Here's the relevant quote from that page:
"Real word: Bangarang is actually a Jamaican word which means disturbance."
-snip-
Here's another source that indicates that "Electronic music producer Skillrex paid tribute to the scene [in the movie "Hook"] with his hit song "Bangarang":
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangarang_(song)
"The title is a reference to the 1991 film Hook, in which the Lost Boys' catch cry is "bangarang!" "

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EDITOR'S COMMENT
My guess is that the word "bangarang" was appealing to the writers of the American movie "Hook" in part because of American's familiarity with both of that word's syllables - "bang[a]" and "rang", and in part because of the American vernacular meanings of the word "bang". Not only is the word "bang" associated with gun fire, in American vernacular English it can be used as a descriptor for something that is very good, awesome, and/or someone who is very attractive http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/bang. In addition, in American vernacular English "to bang [someeone] means to have sex with that person. [citation: online slang dictionary] Each of these meanings add to the cache and the memorability of the word "bangarang" for the "Hook" movie's viewers and for others.

The word "Bang" is also used in the United States [and by extention elsewhere] as an exclamation of approval and/or excitement. I'm not sure if that exclamation predates 1991 - the use of "bangarang" in the United States as it has been discussed in this post.

While West Indians might use "bangarang" as an exclamation, I don't think it means "something awesome", or at least it doesn't mean that in the same way that it is meant in the States. And if or when West Indians use the exclamatory form of "bangarang", I don't think that it usually "signify approval or amazement" except that it may mean approval of lyrics or statements that refer to Babylon [the establishment] falling. [Note: I recall reading some YouTube comments in which "bangarang" was used this way. However, I can't find them now.]

Any examples [with citations] and any corrections are very welcome.

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Visitor comments are welcome.

Eric Donaldson - "Cherry Oh Baby" (with lyrics & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the 1971 Reggae song "Cherry Oh Baby" by Eric Donaldson.

Selected comments about that song are included in this post along with my notes about some of those comments use of Caribbean Patois.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

Thanks to Eric Donaldson for his musical legacy. Thanks also to the publishers of this featured video and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

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INFORMATION ABOUT ERIC DONALDSON AND THE SONG "CHERRY oH BABY"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Donaldson
Eric Donaldson (born 11 June 1947, St. Catherine, Jamaica) is a Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter....

Donaldson ... submmitted "Cherry Oh Baby" to the 1971 Jamaican Festival Song Competition, going on to win the competition and giving him a big Jamaican hit single.[1] Donaldson has won the competition six times, in 1971, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1993 and 1997.[3] "Cherry Oh Baby" has been covered by both The Rolling Stones (on their 1976 album, Black and Blue) and UB40 (on their 1983 album, Labour of Love).[1] The riddim has remained extremely popular – over thirty cover versions have been recorded, including an update by Donaldson himself. Two of his festival winners ("Sweet Jamaica" (1977) and "Land of My Birth" (1978)) were written by Winston Wallace.[4] In an online poll held in 2103 by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, "Land of My Birth" was voted the most popular winner in the contest's history.[5]...

Donaldson currently lives in Kent Village, Jamaica where he runs the 'Cherry Oh Baby Go-Go' bar.[1]"

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From http://www.allmusic.com/song/cherry-oh-baby-mt0035138483
"Song Review by Jo-Ann Greene"
"For the pop masses, reggae music is defined by a handful of numbers -- songs like Desmond Dekker's "The Israelites," the Wailers' "Jamming" and "One Love," and Tony Tribe's "Red Red Wine," et al. Among these must be numbered Eric Donaldson's "Cherry Oh Baby," which swept away with the top prize at the Jamaican Independence Song Competition in 1971.

The single proved wildly popular, and boasted one of the most unforgettable rhythms in history. Overseen by Bunny Lee and expertly laid down by members of Inner Circle, the backing was built to appeal to the dancehalls, currently flocking around the latest dance craze -- the John Crow skank. Its swooping moves and intricate footwork were best displayed to a slower tempo and a stop-start rhythm. The band gives them precisely that; the hefty bass and guitar lines and the adamant organ riff are all sharply outlined by Lloyd "Tin Leg" Adams' staccato beats, and only Michael "Ibo" Cooper's piano adds some frills to the stomping power of the riddim. Overhead, Donaldson woos Cherry for all he's worth, and Lee's production and the arrangement showcase the former West Indian at his best. Emotive, warm and tender, soulful and impassioned, the singer makes his play, and one can't imagine that in response the girl didn't fall straight into his arms.

Certainly groups worldwide fell head over heels for this number, which -- beyond the usual spate of Jamaican versions -- was covered by an amazingly diverse range of bands, including the Rolling Stones, who covered it on their Black and Blue album; UB40, who put their's into the U.K. Top 15; and reggae-core heroes Sublime. Donaldson, who inspired them all, never saw his original chart outside Jamaica, but can take comfort in knowing he delivered up an international favorite."
-snip-
That review is reformatted for this post.

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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE - Eric Donaldson - Cherry, Oh Baby



GioSkaRocksteady, Published on Mar 27, 2012

(1971)

[LYRICS - CHERRY OH BABY
(written by Eric Donaldson)

Oh Cherry oh, Cherry oh, baby,
Don`t you know I`m in need of thee?
If you don`t believe it`s true,
What have you left me to do?
Look how long I,ve been waiting,
For you to come right in.
And now that we are together,
Please make my joys come over*

Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

Oh Cherry, oh, Cherry, oh, baby,
Don`t you see I`m in love with you?
If you don`t believe I do,
Then why don`t you try me?
I will never let you down,
I will never make you wear no frown.
If you say you love me madly,
Well babe I will accept you gladly.

Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay

Oh Cherry, oh, Cherry, oh, baby,
Don`t you see I`m in love with you?
If you don`t believe I do,
Then why don`t you try me?
I will never let you down,
I will never make you wear no frown.
If you say you love me madly,
Well babe I will accept you gladly.

Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Whoa -oh-oh-oh oh oh oh oy
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
Yea-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay
-snip-
*"joy come over" = to feel joyful

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SELECTED COMMENTS ABOUT "CHERRY OH BABY"
From another uploaded example of this sound file https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTRLKqGDHao published on YouTube in 2008 by S4INT MYTHZz "Cherry Oh Baby original With Lyrics By Eric Donaldson"
[along with some notes that I've added]

blazey2, May 25, 2011
"boooooom! BIG TUNE!!!
i'm lookink for the version made by Charlie Chaplin! anyone?"
-snip0
"Boom" is an interjection that indicates enthusiasm for or about (excitement about) something.

In the Caribbean, the word "tune" means the entire song and not just the music.

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Kushprincess66, Mar 8, 2012
..."this tune still sounds fresh after all these years, a lot of years.
-snip-
Notice the tag name for this commenter. "The Kingdom of Kush or Kush was an ancient African kingdom situated on the confluences of the Blue Nile, White Nile and River Atbara in what is now the Republic of Sudan...After king Kashta ("the Kushite") invaded Egypt in the 8th century BC, the Kushite kings ruled as Pharaohs of the Twenty-fifth dynasty of Egypt for a century, until they were expelled by Psamtik I in 656 BC". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Kush
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15heartz, Aug 7, 2012
"i swear theres another reggae version?"

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Cam Yallits, Jan 31, 2013 in reply to 15heartz
"He has another version, with the upsetters, the tempos a bit faster, and is extended, its about 5:40 long."

*&
LionEntity, 2012
"My GOD what a heavenly voice this bredren have"
-snip-
"Bredren" = brother (man)

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ijah mano, May 9, 2012
j'adore!!!!! big up
-snip-
"j'adore" - "I love it"

"Big Up" means to "Give praises/compliments to or for something". Written alone it probably means that "I am complimenting this song (and/or singer).

I wonder if "Big up" meaning came from the statement "Give a big round of applause (a big hand clap to or for something.)

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ben gitonga, Jun 23, 2012
"a bigggggggg tchuuuuuuuune......."
-snip-
In Standard American English I think this comment would be "[This is] a very big [very popular/hit] tune (song).

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Avery Forrest Braun, Dec 3, 2013
"Boombastic"
-snip-
"Boombastic" probably come from the much older word "bombastic". However, while "bombastic" (high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious) is a negative descriptor, "boombastic" is an adjective that means "amazing" ,"awesome". "Boombastic's" meaning is the same as or very similar to the [no longer used] African American Vernacular English phrases "out of sight" and [something is] "the bomb".

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dontbothermewithchannelsAug 5, 2014
[title of this video] "With Lyrics By Eric Donaldson" There are different versions of the song with different lyrics
-snip-
The "Cherry Oh Baby" lyrics that are sung by UB40 and by the Rolling Stones are slightly different than the original lyrics written by Eric Donaldson.

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