Look what I saw on Facebook today!
One of my uncles taught us this song when I was a child and I always thought it was so much fun. Over the years I’ve shared about it with friends (though I wouldn’t sing the whole thing, assuming it would be too boring), but I had never actually seen it performed by anyone. So this video with Harry Belafonte and Odetta was a delightful surprise that had me laughing out loud at the end.
I’m in full agreement with some of the comments on YouTube: “Perfect comic timing, absolute perfection from two incredible talents.” And, “If you are ever feeling depressed watch this! Such talent and to see the expressions and chemistry between them is amazing!”
Watching the video also took me back to junior high school, when my parents had Harry Belafonte’s Calypso LP, which I listened to constantly. Most everyone has probably heard The Banana Boat Song (aka Day-O) and Jamaica Farewell from this album.
But my personal favorite was always Man Smart (Woman Smarter). Budding feminist that I was, I really got a kick out of it; although listening to it today, I realize my pre-teen self didn’t fully understand some of the lyrics! 😂
LYRICS
verse
I say let us put man and a woman together
To find out which one is smarter uh
Some say man but I say no
The woman got the man de day should know
verse
And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smarter than the man in every way
That’s right, de woman is uh smarter
That’s right, de woman is uh smarter
That’s right de woman is uh smarter, that’s right, that’s right
verse
Ever since the world began
Woman was always teaching man
And I you listen to my bid attentively
I goin’ tell you how she smarter than me
chorus
And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smarter than the man in every way
verse
Samson was the strongest man long ago
No one could a beat him, as we all know
Until he clash with Delilah on top of the bed
She told them all the strength was in the hair of his head
chorus
And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smarter than the man in every way
That’s right de woman is uh smarter
That’s right de woman is uh smarter
That’s right de woman is uh smarter, that’s right, that’s right
verse
You meet a girl at a pretty dance
Thinking that you would stand a chance
Take her home, thinking she’s alone
Open de door you find her husband home
chorus
And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smarter than the man in every way
chorus
That’s right de woman is uh smarter
That’s right de woman is uh smarter
That’s right de woman is uh smarter, that’s right, that’s right
verse
I was treating a girl independently
She was making baby for me
When de baby born and I went to see
Eyes was blue (shit) it was not by me
outro
And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smarter than the man in every way
Oh, yes smarter!
