Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, the curtains done change. Big ups to the spouse. The patio paint over, pristine shine to the floor, and the radio blazing Bajan tunes galore.
Christmas is a special time for everyone, everywhere. There’s no denying that special, warm feeling you get when you’re doing your shopping and everyone’s just extra friendly with each other. Or so they say. If you’re like me and you start your shopping on Christmas Eve, in town, you probably may not know what I mean. So open one of the Banks drinks, pour a ponche-crema if you’re a bit older, and come let me tell you about five of my – and your – favourite Bajan Christmas songs.
Before I begin, honourable mention to “Christmas Balls” by Nard and John Mohammed. I like this tune bad. It is not played enough. Don’t wanna stick up here too long, but I genuinely like this song a lot.
5. “Carolling, Carolling” – Natalee Burke
When I decided to do this list I did not think I’d have as much difficulty as I did picking a number five. But “Carolling, Carolling” by Natalee Burke truly gives me the warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling that I would get from an “All I Want From Christmas Is You”. More importantly, though, it gives me the “meet me in front Cave Shepherd so you aunty could get dis fuh me duty-free” flavour. Lyrically? Yea, this is a Christmas song. Ain’t much more to say about it. But it is one of the Christmas songs that put the holiday spirit in me and puts a smile on my face.
4. “Drink A Rum” – The Merrymen
At number four is “Drink A Rum” by The Merrymen. If there’s one day on which you can guarantee that families gine gree, it is Christmas. Wherever you have the family luncheon you can guarantee there will be somebody dusting off a bottle of something real special and real old to share with the family and add to the festivities. That is all this song is about; it’s just the narration of everyone’s Christmas lunch and reminding you what Christmas is all about: friends, family, fellowship, and day drinking. Responsibly
3. “Why Can’t This Christmas Feeling Go On?” – Brian “Bumba” Payne
As I said before, Christmas is the one time of year when people are gonna get along; a period of time when even the hardest of ears little boys and girls decide to behave well for one month or so. Brian “Bumba” Payne is right in number three’s “Why Can’t This Christmas Feeling Go On?”. It just feels like it shouldn’t be that hard to be nice to each other and celebrate love and happiness. But I guess we wouldn’t appreciate it if it was every day?
I don’t know, I don’t wanna get too deep into that. What I can tell you about, though, is the song. It’s extremely simple and sounds aged, to be honest. But for me personally, that just adds to the nostalgia factor. This really tugs on my heart and reminds me of decorating my grandmother’s Christmas tree with the lights that used to play a monophonic version of Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer and putting up the tinsel on the wrought iron divider. This song is just needed in my Christmas season. And it’s my list so wunna can’t cut my tail for including something.
2. “These Are The Things of Christmas” – Draytons Two
At number two is “These Are The Things of Christmas” by The Draytons Two. I know some of the younger folk might not know anything about this big tune, because I didn’t really like it until four years ago when my older brother had to school me on this one. I’m not the biggest spouge fan in the world, but this song just got that vibe. My boys just spewing the Christmas imagery in the chorus. There’s also a bridge where they talk to Santa and ask him if he likes the spouge. Sain bout Santa grooving to a spouge beat is get me hype. Bet wunna didn’t know Santa is listen to spouge to keep him going. There’s also the small chance that 2 Mile Hill might’ve sampled this for their hit song Run It and that just sits well with me.
1. “Maizie” – Red Plastic Bag
Even though this is my list, I don’t think I could’ve not made Maizie by RPB my number one. This is the Christmas song everyone was waiting on. Everyone knew it was on the list. Nothing brings a Bajan family together like a good horn apparently. Mr. Plastic Bag went off with this tune. I heard someone recently say that RPB sings songs anyone can sing along to, and it absolutely shows here.
These songs give you that warm, under the blanket feeling despite outside being 32 degrees. We gotta admit Christmas is a really special time in Bim. All the best for the holiday, thank you and good night.
