Traditional Bahamian Song and ACTIVITIES

“Gal, You Want go Back to Scambo?” was notably played during the August Monday celebrations which celebrates, yearly, the abolition of slavery from Britain. The Fresh Creek Dance Band played this song.  As a traditional song with African influence, there is a story and purpose behind it.  The words depict a woman who is living on the streets being advised by a man (or lead vocalist) to a go back to a place that is better for her, anywhere but here.

This song has a very traditional island feel, both with the vocals and instruments used. The use of a saw, maracas, goat skin drum, guitar, and sticks (played by the local children) further shows the traditional side of Bahamian music.  The activity even of using these instruments, shows a sense of an active community in that the sticks are gathered from house to house, and the saw and goat skin drum were probably locally made.  Putting this song into a specific category like junkano or calypso is not appropriate. This song is part of a CD entitled Music of the Bahamas which, includes Bahamian music with African Caribbean influence.  It can be included in the dance, folksong, quadrille, and world music  genres.

Some rituals that may accompany the song would be dances and island socialization. Particularly pertaining to this celebration, there would be a feeling of freedom from restriction with an underliying unity and connection within the community.   Some island dances that may accompany this song might be the Bahamian Quadrille and the Heel and Toe Polka dances of the time. This song has a strong positive sound to it that could encourage people to keep rhythm with their feet and also clap with their hands.  It makes the listener want to move when they hear the smooth pace. Dancing and swaying side to side results almost automatically.  This type of song literally requires the audience to participate with dancing.

Since this song was popular on the islands in the late 1950′s, etiquette would be more formal and conservative. Public show of affection would not necessarily be allowed nor would intimate touching during the dances. It would be more hand holding and swaying separately. It was more common of that time for the men to lead the dance, as well as the celebration and activities during the party. In terms of the customs of clothing relevent to the time and music, the women would probably be wearing skirts or dresses which would enhance the beauty of the movement when swaying to the beat of the song.

With a traditional song, go traditional activities.  The musical culture of the time is strongly reflected in the songs use of basic, traditional instruments, supportive activities, an active audience all supporting a community based, live celebration.