Dum, dum, dum, dum, dum, dum

The pulsating sounds of the goat skin drums

Echoes in my mind

As a child atop her daddy’s shoulders

I am on top of the world.

Whistles heard clearly in a distance

Cowbells with rhythm as everyone listens

‘It’s better in The Bahamas’ was its theme.

Costumes made from all natural things

As the lead piece approaches

The crowd is on its feet by now

Coat of arms, pink flamingos all skilfully done

Dum, dum the music was the most fun.

Going back to the island boys

Don’t worry, mama don’t cry...

The brass section did the best

All dressed in colourful pieces

Bay Street has come alive

My people are so talented

With gifts of many kinds

Dancers swinging hips from left to right

All on one accord

The costumes all tell a story

You won’t get bored.

It’s amazing how we’ve evolved

From back in the slave day

When John Canoe first stated

He never thought it would be this big.

Our ancestors fought for this right

Many may not remember

On their off days they always got together.

Dancing around the fire

With drums and bells a ring

That is how junkanoo

Became a Bahamian thing.

Junkanoo first started by John Canoe

May we always remember

It was a time they took to celebrate together.

We’ve come to a place

We’ve taken the fun away

Please won’t you

Please give me

The real junkanoo like back in the day.