Golden-Oldies To Contemporary Bops: 3 Gloriously Repurposed Songs
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Golden-Oldies To Contemporary Bops: 3 Gloriously Repurposed Songs

"New" songs on the radio aren't actually as new as you think.

Celine McMonigal
Jan 29, 2019
Boise State University
31
record player
Celine McMonigal

Have you ever been listening to the radio and a song comes on that gives you a strong sense of deja-vu? Or you know a song, and you're singing it to yourself, and you realize you recognize the lyrics/notes/tune? This has happened to me a few times, and I know I'm not the only person who has noticed these things, so I decided I had to write about it to make sure other people knew.

My first example is "Banana Boat Song (Day O)" by Harry Belafonte.

Harry Belafonte - "Banana Boat Song (Day O)" - 1956www.youtube.com

This song was released in 1956 with the original lyrics "Day-o, day-o, daylight come and me wan' go home." This lyric was nicely repurposed for the Jason Derulo song "Don't Wanna Go Home," released 2011 where the lyric was only slightly changed to "Day-o, me say day-o, daylight come and we don't wanna go home." Not only re-using the words, but also changing the meaning from wanting to be done with work to not wanting to leave the club.


Jason Derulo - Don't Wanna Go Home (Official Video)www.youtube.com

Second, we all know the classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston from 1987; "Oh I wanna dance with somebody, I wanna feel the heat with somebody, yeah I wanna dance with somebody, with somebody who loves me."


Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com

Well, the song "Somebody" from 2014 by Natalie La Rose feat. Jeremih definitely borrowed the lyrics and sound of the chorus by saying "I wanna rock with somebody, I wanna take shots with somebody, I wanna leave with somebody, and we ain't gonna tell nobody, we ain't gonna tell nobody."


Natalie La Rose - Somebody (Audio) ft. Jeremihwww.youtube.com

Lastly, Merilee Rush's "Angel of the Morning" from 1968 says "Just call me angel of the morning (angel), just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby. Just call me angel of the morning, angel, then slowly turn away."


Merrilee Rush - Angel Of The Morning (stereo w/o vocal overdubs)www.youtube.com

These beautifully sweet notes appeared in the 2000 Shaggy ft. Rayvon song "Angel" in "Girl, you're my angel, you're my darling angel. Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby. Shorty, you're my angel, you're my darling, angel. Girl, you're my friend when I'm in need, lady" keeping the same angelic theme and using the same notes.

Shaggy - Angel ft. Rayvon (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com

I hope this article not only opened your eyes to some artists who up-cycled classics to make new hits but got at least two of these magnificent songs stuck in your head.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
15972
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
293721
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
90276
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
152617
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
62311
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments